Live Green! Newsletters 2013-14

3"Things"You’ll"Learn

You$can$own$a$piece$of$Iowa$State’s$ heritage$by$purchasing$a$catalpa$ seedling,$the$$progeny$of$a$tree$that$ had$been$shading$ISU’s$campus$ for$almost$100$years.$

Iowa$is$currently$the$9th$healthiest$ state$in$the$nation$but$is$working$to$ become$number$one$by$2016.

Vertical$gardens$are$a$popular$ method$of$urban$gardening$for$ people$with$limited$space.

What’s"Inside"

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

Hello"Cyclones!

Welcome"(and"welcome"back)"to"Iowa"State"University!!""On"behalf"of"the" University"of"Northern"Iowa"and"the"University"of"Iowa"–"who"have"both"received" State’s"submission"may"be"viewed"at: https://stars.aashe.org/institutions/iowaF stateFuniversityFia/report/2013F08F30/

Iowa"State"University"whose"collective"commitment"to"and"support"of"the"Live" Green!"initiative"is"represented"in"this"gold"rating!!""Congratulations"Cyclones" achieving"this"recognition!!""

I"look"forward"to"our"work"together"in"the"coming"year"as"we"continue"our" Yours"in"greenness Director"of"Sustainability

Meet the GREEN Team

Merry Rankin Director of Sustainability mrankin@iastate.edu

Rachelle focuses on serveral specialty projects and initiatives including technical documents and workshops.

Gina Holtzbauer Administrative Secretary gtholtz@iastate.edu

Lucas Mutti Sustainability Coordinator Graduate Assistant, Mechanical Engineering lramutti@iastate.edu

Rachelle Rowe Sustainability Initiatives Intern, English Rhetoric & Psychology rtrowe@iastate.edu

Lucas assists with various research projects and initiatives related to enhancing and diversifying campus sustainability efforts.

Amy Fay Marketing and Communications Intern, Interior Design aafay@iastate.edu

Olivia Diehl Campus and Community Engagement Intern, Event Management omdiehl@iastate.edu

Amy oversees the creation, design and distribution of various educational and awareness materials, including the Live Green! newsletter.

Olivia works to increasing and enchancing opportunites for all students, faculty and staff to take part in sustainability events and initiatives.

DID YOU KNOW?

Enough$sunlight$reaches$the$Earth’s$surface$each$minute$ to$satisfy$the$world’s$energy$demands$for$an$entire$year.$

Wind"energy"is"currently"being"

83%$of$the$world’s$air$pollution$ comes$from$the$production$ and$use$of$electricity.

The amount of energy Americans use doubles every 20 years, by 2030 it is expected to increase more than 55%.

Every$time$you$Google$something$you$are$using$0.0003kWh$of$energy.$That$doesn’t$seem$like$much$but$ at$over$5$BILLION$searches$a$day$Google$uses$enough$energy$to$continuously$power$200,000$homes$ and$accounts$for$roughly$0.013%$of$the$world’s$energy$use.$Despite$this$highFenergy$usage,$Google’s$ carbon$footprint$is$essentially$at$zero$because$of$their$commitment$to$renewable$energy$and$funding$ green$efforts.$As$part$of$Energy$Awareness$Month$we$challenge$you$to$consider$your$energy$usage$ and$opportunities$to$make$small$adjustments$that$will$have$a$big$impact$to$decrease$your$energy$use.

UPCOMING ENERGY EVENTS

Iowa"Environmental"Council"Annual"Conference

At$the$Tipping$Point:$Creating$Momentum$for$a$Healthier$Iowa$Environment

October$11,$2013$8:30$AM

Drake$University’s$Olmsted$Center$in$Des$Moines$

A$day$of$speakers$and$networking$focused$on$making$measurable$progress$for$clean$water$in$Iowa$ as$well$as$building$on$the$state’s$national$leadership$in$wind$energy$by$expanding$use$of$solar$energy.

Student$Price:$$25$

Iowa"Energy"Summit

November$4th$3:30$PM$F$7:00$PM$&$November$5th$7:30$AM$F$4:30$PM$

Prairie$Meadows$Conference$Center$in$Altoona,$IA

heavily$involved.$This$conference$allowed$those$attendees$to$step$outside$their$area$of$ expertise$and$expand$their$knowledge$about$related$topics.$It$also$provided$an$update$on$

Student$Price:$$30

1.) Turn off lights when you are not using them.

Lighting$is$responsible$for$11%$of$a$home’s$energy$bill.$Turn$lights$off$even$if$you$will$only$be$away$for$a$little$bit$and$when$ using$lights$choose$options$to$satisfy$only$the$amount$of$light$you$need$for$the$task.$

2.) Replace your light bulbs with CFLs

CFLs$use$around$80%$less$energy$than$a$regular$light$bulb$and$last$up$to$12$times$as$long.$CFLs$today$come$in$a$variety$ of$different$shapes$and$sizes$other$than$their$original$swirl$shape.

3.) Unplug and turn off electronics when not using them.

Even$on$an$“energyGsaver”$setting,$electronics$waste$energy.$Game$consoles$and$some$other$electronics$use$almost$the$ same$amount$of$energy$in$idle$mode$as$they$do$when$being$used.$Turning$off$your$electronics$and$eliminating$“phantom$ load”$can$reduce$energy$usage$by$10%.$Also$make$sure$that$when$you$are$using$a$device$that$it$is$on$its$most$energy$

4.)

Use power strips and only turn them on when you are using them.

Power$strips$are$an$easy$way$to$eliminate$phantom$load$by$pluging$multiple$electronic$devices$into$a$combined$plug$and$ completely$eliminating$unneeded$energy.$You$can$save$~$$100$each$year$by$doing$this.

5.) Make the switch to paperless.

Many$banks,$credit$card$companies,$and$businesses$will$give$you$the$option$to$go$paperless$and$receive$statements$ and$bills$electronically.$By$doing$this$not$only$are$companies$saving$paper$and$the$energy$needed$to$print$and$mail$but$ also$money.$These$savings$can$then$be$passed$down$to$customersR$some$companies$even$offer$rewards.$$Visit$business$

6.) Fix leaky faucets.

One$drop$per$second$from$a$leaky$faucet$can$add$up$to$48$gallons$a$week!$Energy$is$required$to$move$water$to$faucets,$so$ you$are$not$only$leaking$water$but$energy$too.$If$you$have$a$leaky$faucet$report$it$to$your$rental$manager.$See$a$leaky$faucet$ on$ISU’s$campus?$Call$515G294G5100

7.) Choose small appliances.

Small$appliances$such$as$toaster$ovens,$electric$skillets$and$microwaves$use$less$energy$than$a$range.$Microwave$ovens$ shorten$cooking$times$requiring$less$energy.$Consider$your$opportunies$to$downsize.$

8.) Wash laundry in cold water and adjust the water

level.

Energy$costs$for$heating$water$to$wash$clothes$amounts$to$90%$of$the$energy$used.$Only$use$hot$water$for$extremely$dirty$ clothes$and$always$rinse$in$cool$water.$There$are$a$variety$of$coldGwater$laundry$detergents$available$from$popular$brands$ and$ecoGfriendly$options.$Adjusting$the$water$level$to$the$amount$of$clothes$you$are$washing$will$save$water$(and$energy)$as$ will$waiting$to$do$laundry$until$you$have$a$full$load.$

9.) Utilize blinds to control radiant heat.

In$the$winter$letting$the$sun$in$can$help$keep$your$home$naturally$warm$through$passive$heating.$In$the$summer$closing$ blinds$and$curtains$keeps$that$warmth$out$reducing$passively$gained$heat$by$up$to$30%.$

10.) Use ceiling fans for air circulation.

In$warm$weather$set$the$ceiling$fan$to$blow$air$down$into$the$room.$This$can$make$the$room$feel$up$to$four$degrees$cooler$ allowing$you$to$adjust$your$thermostat$accordingly$to$cut$your$air$conditioning$energy$demands.$You$can$also$use$a$ceiling$ fan$in$cold$weather$to$help$you$feel$warmer.$Read$your$ceiling$fan’s$instructions$to$change$the$direction$of$the$fan$to$blow$air$ up$towards$the$ceilingR$this$pushes$the$warm$air$away$from$the$ceiling$to$be$distributed$back$into$the$room.$

Here are 10 easy steps to make your home,

This$past$summer,$Rebecca$Chamberlain$spent$six$weeks$living$in$a$village$in$Uganda.$Rebecca$is$a$ junior$studying$global$resource$systems$and$environmental$science$in$the$College$of$Agriculture$and$Life$ Sciences.$Through$the$college’s$Departments$of$Horticulture$and$Agronomy,$the$Center$of$Sustainable$ undergraduate$students$to$work$on$projects$in$Uganda.$CSRL$has$been$offered$since$2006$to$help$improve$ agriculture$and$teach$rural$livelihood$to$the$communities.$$

Upon$arrival$in$June,$the$students$teamed$up$with$students$from$Makerere$University$in$Uganda$to$work$ with$a$primary$school$agriculture$program$in$the$Kamuli$district$of$rural$Uganda.$The$students$worked$to$ establish$a$living$fence$from$native$Euphorbia$to$protect$the$school$gardens.$Rebecca$also$worked$on$her$ agroforestry$project$by$planting$fruit$tree$seedlings$to$start$an$orchard$and$planting$woody$tree$seedlings$

Rebecca$also$taught$environmental$science$in$the$school.$She$stated$that$the$whole$goal$of$the$project$is$to$ teach$the$students$and$communities$different$ways$to$ensure$sustainability.$$

she$was$used$to.$Nevertheless,$Rebecca$says$she$misses$it$and$expressed$wishes$to$return.$Rebecca$ stated.$“I$wasn’t$expecting$to$become$so$attached$to$peopleR$but$they$really$were$some$of$the$most$amazing$ people$and$I$was$really$lucky,$I$feel,$to$learn$more$from$them$than$what$I$taught$them”.$$

For$those$students$curious$about$the$idea$of$helping$abroad$through$the$college$(or$any$other$organization),$ Rebecca$says$go$for$it.$She$believed$that$it$was$a$really$amazing$experience$and$stated$that$everyone$ should$try$a$project$like$this.$“It$makes$you$realize$what$you$take$for$granted”,$Rebecca$said.$“It’s$good$for$ people$to$go$see$others$living$in$a$different$situation$and$how$they$are$still$happy$even$with$less$stuff”.$

Now,$back$in$Ames$for$the$school$year,$Rebecca$still$remains$active$in$global$ sustainability$and$resources.$Rebecca$was$one$of$only$50$undergraduates$ nationwide$selected$this$year$to$go$to$Boston$for$the$CHANGE$initiative$with$ Oxfam$America.$Oxfam$is$a$developmental$agency$that$started$in$the$1940s.$ They$promote$humanitarian$work$and$international$development.$Oxfam$works$ worldwide$educating,$advocating$and$serving$underdeveloped$countries.$Rebecca$ states$that$they$are$currently$working$in$refugee$camps$in$Syria$distributing$water$ and$supplies.$

Rebecca$says$the$goal$of$the$CHANGE$initiative$is$to$train$undergraduates$to$ be$liaisons$to$their$campuses.$Already$Rebecca$has$been$busy$helping$set$up$ different$opportunities$to$promote$world$sustainability.$She$will$be$working$with$the$ dining$facilities$to$promote$food$sustainability$and$how$our$personal$food$choices$ affect$others$and$with$The$Green$Umbrella$(a$student$organization)$promoting$ National$Campus$Sustainability$Day.$Oxfam$is$also$sponsoring$author$Frances$ Moore$Lappé$to$discuss$sustainable$food$choices$at$an$event$titled$Food,$Land$ and$Small$Planet$Producers$on$October$17th.$

Rebecca$hopes$to$continue$her$work$in$sustainability$and$global$initiative$ programs.$After$graduation,$she$expressed$a$desire$to$join$the$Peace$Corps.$She$ working$with$sustainable$agricultural$problems.$Rebecca’s$efforts$exemplify$how$ one$person$can$promote,$advocate$and$affect$a$sustainable$future.$

The$Healthiest$State$Initiative$is$a$privately$funded$public$initiative$to$improve$the$overall$health$of$Iowa’s$citizens$and$make$Iowa$ the$healthiest$state$in$the$nation$by$2016$based$on$GallupGHealthways$WellGbeing$Index.$The$criterion$of$the$index$includes$life$ evaluation,$emotional$health,$physical$health,$healthy$behaviors,$work$environment$and$basic$access.$Iowa$was$ranked$9th$in$the$ 2012$index$proceeded$by$some$of$its$neighbors$Minnesota$and$Nebraska$with$Hawaii$holding$the$number$one$position.$

The$Healthiest$State$Initiative$has$several$programs$in$position$to$help$improve$the$health$of$the$state.$This$initiative$is$an$ongoing$ program$but$there$are$many$activities$to$take$part$in$especially$in$the$fall.$

The$comfortable$fall$weather$is$the$perfect$time$to$spend$outdoors.$ Exploring$the$outdoors$leads$to$less$stress,$boosts$attention$span$and$ increases$appreciation$for$natural$resources.$The$initiative$partnered$ with$the$Iowa$Department$of$Natural$Resources$to$help$Iowans$increase$ mental$and$physical$health$through$outdoor$recreation$by$creating$the$ Healthy$and$Happy$Outdoors$(H2O)$project.$Participants$in$the$project$ record$outdoor$activities$and$each$entry$goes$toward$an$opportunity$to$ win$a$prize$pack$each$month.$The$Iowa$DNR$ recreation$page$offers$ many$resources$for$outdoor$activities$for$every$age$and$activity$level.$

Another$fall$initiative$program$is$Healthy$HalfGTime.$This$program$ encourages$healthy$eating$and$activities$during$football$season.$ Whether$tailgating$in$the$parking$lot$or$at$home$in$front$of$the$ television$the$initiative$has$some$suggestions$to$improve$your$eating$ habits$for$the$next$game.$

Scoop"with"fresh"veggies"(carrot"chips)"or"line"up"tomatoes"

The$Healthiest$State$Walk$will$take$place$on$October$9th$in$communities$ across$the$state.$This$is$a$1$kilometer$walk$that$participants$can$be$part$ of$either$individually$or$as$part$of$an$organized$walk.$There$are$over$ 15$group$walks$organized$in$the$Ames$community$including$Healthiest$ ISU$taking$place$on$campus.$There$are$multiple$ routes$across$campus$ so$wherever$you$may$be$you$can$be$sure$to$join$in.$If$you$would$like$to$ join$one$of$the$group$walks$or$start$your$own$you$can$do$so$on$the$Iowa$ Healthiest$State$website.$Individuals$walking$can$also$register$online$to$ be$included$in$the$overall$participation$count.$

The$program$also$promotes$being$as$active$as$possible$during$the$ game.$Walk$around$at$the$tailgate,$play$catch$in$the$yard$at$home$or$ get$up$and$walk$around$at$halfGtime.$

Iowa"State"football"ticket"holders"on"game"day?"They"are" grilling$is$needed,$choose$a$propane$grill$which$has$the$lowest$impact$on$the$environment.$If$using$a$charcoal$grill$is$your$only$ option$choose$an$allGnatural$briquette$which$burns$cleaner$than$regular$charcoal$or$wood.$There$are$several$kinds$made$out$of$

Green"Your"Tailgate

and$saved$for$your$next$tailgate$and$many$more$after$that.$Compostable$cutlery$made$from$bioGresins$is$also$an$option,$as$well$ with$a$crankGoperated$radioR$keep$it$cranking$to$hear$the$game$too.$$

What Happened To Pearson Hall’s Big Tree?

$If$you$have$walked$past$Pearson$Hall$recently$you$may$ have$noticed$the$loss$of$one$of$our$big$trees.$Last$May,$the$ majestic$catalpa$that$had$been$shading$ISU’s$campus$for$ almost$100$years$was$lost.$The$tree$was$one$of$the$several$ Northern$Catalpas$on$campus.$Although$native$to$Illinois,$ Indiana,$Arkansas$and$Tennessee,$the$Northern$Catalpa$ can$grow$in$most$of$North$America$and$is$a$winterFhardy$ tree$in$Iowa.$They$fare$best$in$moist,$high$pH,$coarseFto$ mediumFtextured$soils$in$full$sun$and$do$not$tolerate$shade.$ The$tree$grows$to$be$75F100$feet$tall$and$has$the$lowest$ shrinkage$and$expansion$rate$of$any$domestic$hardwoods.$

seeds.$

The$tree$outside$of$Pearson$Hall$had$to$be$removed$due$ to$structural$damage.$This$damage$can$occur$to$trees$ over$time$because$of$many$different$reasons.$Some$of$the$ factors$include$inadequate$oxygen$and$moisture$levels$for$ the$tree’s$roots,$changes$in$soil$grade$and$actual$physical$ damage$to$the$tree$from$either$the$elements$or$other$ sources.$These$damages$may$occur$naturally,$but$we$also$ need$to$be$conscious$as$users$of$the$vulnerability$of$these$ large$plants.$

The$tree$that$was$taken$down$will$enter$Iowa$ State’s$TreeCYcle$program.$TreeCYcle$is$a$ Facilities$Planning$and$Management$program$ that$reuses$wood$from$campus.$Large$trees$ can$be$used$for$lumber,$furniture$and$other$ woodworking$projects.$Smaller$branches$and$ trees$are$chipped$into$mulch$to$be$used$on$ campus.$

Growing"Iowa"State’s"Heritage"

$This$summer$Professor$William$Graves$of$the$Department$of$Horticulture$worked$with$ staff$from$Facilities$Planning$and$Management$to$collect$the$seeds$from$the$tree$and$grow$ over$500$new$seedlings$in$the$greenhouse.$The$seedlings$are$very$healthy$and$rapidly$ outgrowing$their$pots,$requiring$replantation.$At$this$point,$Professor$Graves$decided$the$ trees$were$ready$for$new$homes.$He$offered$25$of$them$up$to$be$planted$on$campus$this$ fall$and$another$25$to$be$repotted$in$the$nursery$to$grow$larger$for$future$transplanting$to$ campus.$$

So$what$will$happen$to$the$other$seedlings?$The$Department$of$Horticulture$in$partnership$ with$the$Alumni$Association$is$offering$Iowa$State$alumni$and$friends$the$chance$to$own$the$ progeny$of$this$historic$tree$from$Iowa$State’s$campus.$The$cost$is$$30$for$one$seedling,$ $25$each$for$2F4,$and$$20$each$if$you$purchase$5$or$more.$This$price$includes$a$healthy$ your$authentic$piece$of$Iowa$State’s$heritage.$

The$seedlings$will$be$available$for$purchase$at$the$Alumni$Center$during$home$football$ games$this$fall$with$pickup$at$a$later$date.$If$you$are$unable$to$make$it$to$the$Alumni$Center$ to$purchase$a$seedling$you$still$have$the$opportunity$to$buy$one!$They$are$available$online$ at$the$ISU$Alumni$Association$Shop$and$by$phone$at$515F294F2648.The$seedlings$can$be$ picked$up$or$can$be$shipped$to$you$at$an$additional$price$of$$20$for$one$or$a$pair$of$plants.$

Don’t$miss$your$chance$to$have$a$piece$of$Iowa$State$heritage$in$your$own$backyard.$

Don’t"have"a"place"of"your"own"to"grow"your"heritage?"

Photo$by:$Lei$Zhang

Edible Garden Ventures

more"about"these"gardens"and"upcoming"events"visit"the""Ames"Community" Garden"Coalition"website shows"Ames’s"potential"of"becoming"a"more"sustainable"model"of"

DIY Urban Gardening

Growing$your$own$food$can$save$you$money,$add$fresh$herbs$and$vegetables$into$your$meals$and$ reduce$food$footprint.$So$what’s$stopping$you?$

Think$you$can’t$have$a$garden$because$you$rent$or$have$no$outside$space?$Think$again.$As$long$as$ you$have$a$small$amount$of$space$with$the$proper$amount$of$sunlight$you$can$create$an$urban$garden$ to$grow$your$favorite$produce.$

The$easiest$and$most$common$space$for$an$urban$garden$is$a$balcony$or$patioR$if$you$don’t$have$ a$balcony$another$option$is$a$windowsill$garden$which$you$can$grow$year$round.$Don’t$be$afraid$of$ taking$up$too$much$space$with$your$garden.$There$are$many$doGitGyourself$solutions$for$small$urban$

accomplished$using$many$different$repurposed$items$from$around$the$house.$Find$a$variety$of$great$ ideas$for$urban$gardens$at

Celebrating the Arts

The$43rd$Annual$Octagon$Arts$Festival$took$place$on$Sunday,$September$22$in$the$Main$ Street$Cultural$District$in$downtown$Ames.$The$festival$hosted$more$than$100$artists$from$ across$the$Midwest$as$well$as$a$children’s$art$area$and$a$performing$arts$stage.$Each$year$ more$than$14,000$people$attend$this$festival$to$enjoy$local$art$the$Midwest$has$to$offer$ and$take$home$a$oneGofGaGkind$art$piece.$This$year$the$Best$In$Show$award$went$to$Mary$

Obemeyer$from$Quinton,$Virginia.$Mary’s$company,$Greystone$Products$Company,$creates$ handGcrafted$jewelry$from$recycled$computer$parts.$

Miss$the$festival?$The$Octagon$Gallery$Shop$features$and$offers$for$sale$artists’$pieces$ year$round.$The$shop$at$413$Douglas$Ave$is$open$MondayGWednesday$and$Friday$from$ 10amG5:30pm,$Thursday$10amG7pm$and$Saturday$10amG5pm$and$currently$has$some$of$ the$best$in$show$pieces$for$sale.$

Celebrate(Fair(Trade(Month

Fair$Trade$is$a$partnership$in$the$international$marketplace$to$support$ economic$sustainability$in$developing$countries.$When$locally$ creating$sustainable$businesses$and$sustainable$business$practices$ through$trade$empowerment.$Every$purchase$matters.$

Worldly$Goods$

volunteers.$They$source$their$goods$from$producers$and$artists$all$ over$the$world$to$facilitate$a$fair$income$and$and$strong$sustainable$ community.$Their$products$include$clothing,$jewelry,$home$decor,$ musical$instruments,$toys,$stationary,$books$and$food.$

Worldly$Goods$is$located$at$223$Main$Street$in$Downtown$Ames.$ They$are$open$10amF6pm$MondayFWedesday$and$Friday,$10amF 8pm$Thursday$and$10amF5pm$on$Saturday.$Volunteers$are$important$ to$supporting$Worldly$Goods$mission$by$keeping$overhead$expenses$ at$a$minimum.$If$you$have$some$time$to$volunteer$call$515F233F4568$ or$email$volunteer@worldlygoods.org.$

For$More$Information$on$Fair$Trade$Visit$FairTradeUSA.org

Going Green in the City

Does a trip to Paris interest you? Schneider Electric is hosting Go Green in the City – Paris, June 2014

The 4th annual Go Green in the City International Business Case Challenge, sponsored by Schneider Electric, invites teams of business and engineering students to compete with student teams around the world to revolutionize energy management and gain unique insight into one of the leading global energy management companies. The top 12 teams will have the opportunity to travel to Paris to compete for the grand prize of an around the world trip and a career opportunity at Schneider Electric. Registration for this competition opens on November 14th, 2013 at http://www.gogreeninthecity.com/#signup

Get Your Art On!!

The Octagon Center for the Arts is now accepting entries for the 46th annual Clay, Fiber, Paper, Glass, Metal, Wood Juried Exhibition. The Exhibit will be January 24th – April 5th 2014. Up to three works can be submitted by an artist for only one entry fee. Any type of media is accepted. Cash prizes total up to $2,000! Register by mail by November 30th or online by December 2nd, 2013. Register At: http://www.octagonarts.org/en/exhibits/clay_fiber_ paper_glass_metal_wood_exhibit/clay_fiber_entry_form/

Enactus Recipe Contest

Enter a budget-friendly recipe for the chance to win free groceries. Include the estimated cost of the recipe and the number of servings with serving sizes. Each recipe counts as an entry.

Contest ends November 30th

For more info; enactus@gmail.com

American Packing Corporation Internship, Story City, IA

American Packaging Corporation is looking for an intern to be part of their “Green Committee.” This position’s responsibilities include: Assisting with sustainability efforts, working directly with Engineering and Manufacturing to identify, research and implement projects throughout the facility. This position is available immediately with the opportunity to continue through multiple school years and summers. Work hours are part-time (and have flexibility) during the school year and are full-time (40-hour week) during the summers. Apply by emailing a cover letter and resume to hr@ampkcorp.com

For more information visit: www.AmPkCorp.com

Calling all Leaders of the Midwest!

Interstate Sustainability Leaders Summit (ISLS) is a conference for young, Midwestern leaders to gather and share their ideas for change on their campus, in their community and for the world. ISLS is looking for 30 student leaders to share their vision and goals on January 10th and 11th, 2014 at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Each leader will present an idea and receive feedback from the rest of the other summit leaders. Conference registration is free. Attendees are responsible for travel and hospitality expenses. Register by December 20th at http://bit.ly/1aJO9s4

For More Information Visit: http://sustsummit.wordpress.com/

Looking for a job?

Check out the Ames Economic Development Commission Local Job Board!

www.WorkInAmes.com

Search a list of openings for full time, part time and internship positions.

ISU Dining Honored as Neighbor Restaurant!

In 1999, the National Restaurant Association and its partners developed the Restaurant Neighbor Award program. This award was developed to help raise awareness of restaurant’s contributions to local communities and to inspire more owners to get involved in their neighborhoods. State restaurant associations select winners and they are then nominated for national honors. This year’s recipient of the Iowa Restaurant Association’s 2013 Restaurant Neighbor Award went to Iowa State University Dining.

One of the many ways, ISU Dining contributes to the Ames community that was specifically noteworthy to the National Restaurant Association is the partnership with the Food at First program. Over the past year, ISU Dining has donated over 10,000 meals This program is provided through donations from Iowa State and the Ames Community, leftover pre-packaged food and meal ingredients to assist Food at First in providing resources to prepare and serve about 1,800 meals and provides food for about 2,200 individuals each month.

Reiman Gardens Spotlighted as Outstanding Tourism Experience!

The Iowa Tourism Office and the Travel Federation of Iowa awarded Reiman Gardens the award for Outstanding Tourism Experience in a metro environment. The 14-acre garden acts as a gateway to Ames and Iowa State University. Every year around 70,000 people visit the gardens.

In delivering an award winning experience to tourists, Reiman offers state-of-the art displays, experiences, and educational resources that fully embody a commitment to sustainability and its mission, “Educate, enchant, and inspire environmental stewardship through displays of living beauty.”

Team Cyclone Energy Wins Bronze

On October 12, a team of five civil engineering and construction engineering students traveled to the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Conference in Washington D.C. as one of the three finalists in the Green Energy Challenge. Members of Iowa State’s NECA chapter includes of civil engineering student Kate Glowacki, construction engineering students: Alex Buscher, Joe Hahn, Margaret Holt and Alex Toth and adviser Beth Hartmann.

The Green Energy Challenge, put on by ELECTRI International, challenges NECA student chapters to analyze particular electrical construction management problems and create a comprehensive plan and budget for an appropriate retrofit. A financial prize, is awarded annuually to the winning school.

Team Cyclone Energy’s proposal focused on energy efficient solutions for the Memorial Union parking ramp at Iowa State. This plan included a daylight and occupancy sensor control system, charging stations for electric vehicles, solar canopies and LED lighting systemssaving ISU an estimated $105,246 equating to a entire year payback. The proposal was presented to a panel of six judges and placed third out of 19 teams.

The team spent about five to six hours per week on the project and practiced their presentation for two months. Team leader Alex Buscher stated. “I learned more about the industry than I ever could have imagined, we grew as a team, and I got the experience of a lifetime.”

With the New Year just around the corner, there are plenty of sustainable resolutions to consider.

Installing just weatherstripping can help prevent cold air from coming in your house saving energy and money.

All drinking fountains will have water bottle refilling stations by the end of the 2013-2014 academic year.

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

And, just like that, it seems… we are at the end of the 2013 fall semester. This last issue of Live Green! Monthly for 2013 celebrates our accomplishments, highlights some unique sustainability initiatives that have been diligently moving forward throughout this fall, and looks forward to the New Year. We talk about resolutions in this newsletter, ones that can be pursued individually, as a family or group, or even community. These resolutions are ones that do not require any special funding, approval or timing. Anyone can take part, and every action is guaranteed to make a difference that benefits us collectively in our journey toward a sustainable future. I challenge everyone to resolve to adopt at least one of these resolutions in 2014.

1. Bring Your Own Mug and Water Bottle and Bag – choose reusable instead of disposable… reduce waste and save money.

2. Buy Only What You Really Need – try pausing before you make purchases to ask yourself… why you need it, how often you will use it, and what options you have other than buying.

3. Turn Off (and/or Unplug) What You Aren’t Using (lights, cell phone chargers, computers, play stations, and so on) – the single most immediate impact each of us can have on the University’s and the City’s use of fossil fuels is to reduce our energy demand.

4. Green Your Ride – save money and hassle by opting for CyRide, walking, or biking instead of driving a few days a week.

5. Consume What You Purchase – in a nutshell, if you buy it, use it or offer it to someone else.

6. Reduce Your Waste – from choosing products with less packaging to recycling to upcycling to donating… consider options to reduce your wasteprint.

7. Choose Energy Star and Energy Efficient Gadgets –from computers to play stations to light bulbs to refrigerators, choosing a product energy star rated or more energy efficient can save you up to 30% on your utility bill.

8. Report Green Violations – see a dripping faucet, a classroom light that is on all night, or something else that just seems to be wasting energy or resources… tell your Hall Director, Community Advisor, or call Facilities Planning and Management (294-5100). They appreciate hearing from you so they can get it fixed asap!!

9. Give Back and Pay Forward – find something you feel passionate about, education, the arts, children, animals, etc. and volunteer with an organization or at an event that supports your passion.

10. Commit to a Healthier You – though a different “take” on sustainability, taking care of yourself ensures a sustainable you, to take on the challenge of resolutions 1-9.

Congratulations on a fantastic fall semester, Cyclones!! Good luck on finals, happy holidays, and have a wonderful break!! See you in 2014!

Yours in Greenness, Merry Rankin Director

of

Sustainability

On the first day of the holidays, I used some creativity to find a sustainable holiday tree. Whether you have a tradition of getting a freshly cut tree or don’t have room for a large tree this year, there is a sustainable option for everyone. If you are going to buy a fresh tree, make sure you know the source and their practices; buying from a box store or many parking lots, you are not as likely to know the source. The ISU Forestry Club is having tree sales in the Reiman Garden’s Maintenance Building Parking Lot December 13th, 14th and 15th. Other options are having a potted tree or small rosemary tree. You can also make a non-traditional tree out of things like cardboard and plastic bottles. For inspiration on non-traditional trees, go to: http://inhabitat.com/6-fabulous-green-faux-christmastrees-that-are-better-than-the-real-deal/

On the second day of the holidays, I had a great party that helped support communities. Offer unique and delicious options for food and drink this holiday season that also support social and economic sustainability. Cater your next party or give gifts of locally made or Fair Trade goods to give back to the communities in which they are made. Look for both when you are shopping at your favorite stores, specialty stores to visit include Worldly Goods and Wheatsfield Coop in downtown Ames. For more information on Fair Trade goods and local Iowa products go to: http://fairtradeusa.org/holidays and http://iowamade.net/

On the third day of the holidays, I got crafty and made DIY gifts for friends and family. DIY gifts are perfect for anyone to give or receive, and allow you to customize each present. The extra effort put into these gifts makes them unique and one of a kind. There are a variety of DIY gifts that are suitable for everyone’s skill level and budget. You can also add a sustainable touch by recycling and repurposing items you no longer need to create something new. Find ideas for DIY gifts here: http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/gifts/homemadeholiday-gifts-00000000024318/

On the fourth day of the holidays, I felt the season’s cheer and sent homemade greeting cards to everyone far and near. Homemade greeting cards can be made from a variety of things you already have around the house or found in nature. Get creative and make your own personal greeting cards that will surely be cherished by those who receive them. Use recycled items to create cards like the ones seen here: http://www.bhg.com/christmas/ cards/homemade-christmas-cards/

On the fifth day of the holidays, I brightened up my space and used LED lights all around my place.

LED lights are up to 90% more efficient than incandescent bulbs! This will save you energy and money on your holiday electric bill. Not to mention these lights last up to 25 times as long as incandescent, allowing you to enjoy them for up to 40 holiday seasons. Still not convinced? Check out more reasons to make the switch to LEDs here: http://www.casasugar.com/Reasons-Use-LED-Christmas-Tree-Lights-12314635

On the sixth day of the holidays, I filled my house with glee and used sustainable decorations to compliment my tree. Make your own ornaments, wreaths, garland and more from recycled products and nature. With just a few ribbons, old newspapers or plastic bottles, you could have beautiful holiday décor to add to your home. The possibilities of sustainable decorations are endless. Here are some great examples to get you started: http://recycledcrafts. craftgossip.com/category/recycled-christmas-decoration/

On the seventh day of the holidays, I chose a greener ride for all my journeys outside.

There is often lots of traveling during the holiday season, adding extra traffic, carbon emissions and air pollution. Consider carpooling, whether it is a long distance or just across town. Check out ISU’s RideShare and Carpool website and websites like http://www.zimride.com/ to find others making the same journey and set up carpooling with them. Also, choose public transportation like buses and trains where available.

On the eighth day of the holidays, I checked off wish list gifts that also will give some charities a lift.

Does someone on your list have a gift they just have to have? Considering giving the gift of a trip or concert tickets? Why not give them the gift they want and pay forward? Websites like http://www.biddingforgood. com and http://givingworks.ebay.com allow you to purchase many different items, services, and tickets that give money back to a non-profits and causes. Before you run out to the store or travel agency to buy these gifts, check these websites first.

On the ninth day of the holidays, I enhanced my holiday theme by purchasing tech-savvy gadgets for underneath the tree.

Gadgets are always a fun gift for the tech-savvy person on your list, as well as keeping your holidays bright and efficient. Choose gadgets that will save energy and money. Giving a gift that requires batteries? Include rechargable batteries or a solar powered charger. Remote controlled power strips allow you to turn all your holiday lights on and off with simply the click of a button -- no more crawling on your stomach under the tree to unplug the lights. Check out more holiday and wintertime gadgets here: http://www.techhive.com/ article/2020812/great-green-gadgets-for-the-holidays.html

On the tenth day of the holidays, I brightened up the night and used beeswax candles to shine some light.

Many people use candles to celebrate the holidays. Beeswax candles are all natural, smokeless and can be scented or unscented. Did you know beeswax actually cleans the air? Negative ions are released, which help rid the air of contaminants like dust and pollen. They are easy to make on your own, and are also available in stores. Learn how to make beeswax candles by watching this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajyz7FHSqbY

On the eleventh day of the holidays, with final preparations underway, I chose reusable gift-wrapping for an added sustainable takeaway. Every year, Americans throw away 25% more trash during the holiday season from Thanksgiving to the New Year than any other time of the year. If every family just wrapped three presents in re-usable material it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields. This year, invest in or make your own reusable gift-wrapping. Gift-wrapping can include felt bags, fabric wrapping or reusable boxes. You can also have the wrapping be part of the present, such as a scarf or basket. Get inspiration for reusable wrapping here: http://healthychild.org/sustainable-holiday-tips-diyreusable-gift-bags/

On the twelfth day of the holidays, I gathered with friends and family and enjoyed the gift of their company. Remember what the holidays are really about -- a time to be thankful, caring and to just relax and spend time with those you care about. Spending time in each other’s company is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Find a meaningful activity to do with your loved ones here: http://fun. familyeducation.com/holidays/family-traditions/32931.html

DIY WEATHERIZING

As winter arrives and settles in, this three-step process can ensure quick, sustainable and money saving winter proofing.

1 2 3 PERFORM AN AUDIT

A simple do-it-yourself walkthrough can help you pinpoint where energy is being lost or can be saved, and how to prioritize upgrades and fixes. Make a list of obvious air leaks, gaps or cracks around any connecting surfaces or openings in the walls, floors or ceilings.

Ways to check for leaks include: Rattling doors to see if there is movement, looking for daylight around a door or window frame and using a damp hand to feel drafts.

Be sure to check furnace filters and replace them as needed, usually every month or two. Have a professional inspect and clean the unit once per year.

Get started on your own DIY energy audit here. Ames also offers free energy audits to help pinpoint opportunities. Request one here.

WEATHER STRIPPING OTHER SOLUTIONS

Weatherstripping is an easy and cost-effective way to reduce energy costs and drafts in your home. Installing and/or replacing weatherstripping in your home or apartment seals air leaks around movable building components, such as doors and windows.

When installing weatherstripping, it is important to select the correct type for your own situation. For more information on the different types of weatherstripping and how to choose one, check out energy.gov.

When buying weatherstripping products, refer to the instructions on the package. Weatherstripping should be applied tightly to both surfaces and should not interfere with operation.

Watch a video on how to install weatherstripping to a door here.

If you still feel drafts or cold air after weatherstripping your doors and windows, there are additional things you can do.

For stationary components with leaks, you can use caulk to fill them.

Install inexpensive insulation behind outlet and switch plates on exterior walls.

Use a draft blocker at the base of doors and windows. A DIY draft blocker is a fun craft for any age. Insulate windows with plastic. Clean the window, then place double-sided tape around the window frame, cut the insulating plastic film to fit the frame, and affix to the double-sided tape.

To create a tight seal, use a hair dryer to shrink the film.

This video shows the process of applying plastic to a window.

Get Ready for the Symposium on Sustainability & Sustainapalooza 2014! | Mark your calendars for February 24th and 25th to attend these Live Green! events. The event’s keynote speaker will be Alan Weisman, author of The World Without Us. Highlights from ISU’s recent gold international sustainability certification, and a visioning discussion related to short and long-term sustainability goals in moving forward, will also be featured. A Sustainability Poster Session and presentation of the 2013 Live Green! Excellence in Sustainability awards will also take place.

Student Feedback Needed | Please take five minutes to take this anonymous Iowa State Sustainability Survey. Feedback will be used to determine the direction of sustainability projects at ISU. Copy and paste this URL into your browser to take the survey. https://iastate.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_eCFEylrvDJms4oB

Calling all phonebooks…Prepare to be recycled! | With the delivery of new phonebooks, it’s time to recycle the old ones. Phonebooks are being collected NOW until December 19th at various locations on campus, including the General Services Building. Call Sue Mallas at 294-0692 to learn more.

Enter the World of Science | The Ames Laboratory/Iowa State University Science Bowl is looking for 150 volunteers for the events. The High School Science Bowl takes place on Saturday, Jan. 25th, and the Middle School Science Bowl on Saturday, Feb. 22nd. Volunteers will be moderators, judges, timekeepers and scorekeepers. To learn more or to volunteer, contact Breehan Gerleman Lucchesi at breehan@ ameslab.gov.

Sustaining Today Thru Tomorrow | Join the Iowa Women in Natural Resources for their two day conference January 30th and 31st, 2014. The conference includes speakers on topics relating to nature and sustainability, mentorship and networking. With the registration fee of $65 ($40 for students) you get access to all the conference events, a yearly membership to IWINR and five meals! For more information or to register for the conference go to: http://www.iwinr.com/#!2014-conference/c8r6.

Closet Full of Clothes and Nothing to Wear? | If you suffer from this problem, it’s time to change up your wardrobe and do something with all those clothes you no longer wear. Bring the clothes you no longer want back to college with you after winter break to be exchanged at events like Closets Collide clothing swaps, or at one of the many clothing consignment stores in Ames. Upgrade your wardrobe at little at no cost to you.

Travel the Country with a Career at Bard College | Bard College’s Center for Environmental Policy and MBA in Sustainability are hiring a Graduate Admissions Assistant! Job duties include representing both the CEP and MBA programs at events, which includes 12-16 weeks of travel throughout the year, establishing inquiry and applicant communication plans and assisting applicants with the admissions process. For more information and to apply for this position go to: http://www.bard.edu/employment/ employment/.

Spend the Summer at Harvard | Harvard University Forest Research Program is offering a summer research program from May 26th-August 8th, 2014. Twenty-two undergraduate students will be selected to collaborate with scientists conducting ecological research. The deadline to apply is Febuary 7th, 2014. For more information and to apply go to: http://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/other-tags/reu.

Material Advantage Student Chapter Ranked

GREEN HIGHLIGHTS

This semester there have been many green celebrations on ISU’s campus and included in Live Green! Monthly. Here are some of the highlights that have been in the works and have become realized this semester.

Recycle at Parks Library!

Through collabrative efforts between the Government of the Student Body, Parks Library and Facilities Planning and Management, the Library will convene a trial run of an expanded recycling program through the month of January.The program will offer recycling for food and beverage containers on all four floors, beginning Monday, December 9th, and concluding Friday, January 31st. At the end of the trial run, the program will be evaluated to determine interest in and resources for continuation. Find out more information in this article from Inside Iowa State.

Unlimited Refills

New water bottle refilling stations have been installed in the library and more are coming! These water bottle refilling stations compliment ones at State Gym and Lied, as well as all the ones that are being swapped out at the Department of Residence. Most academic buildings will also have refill options by the end of the 2013-2014 academic year.

Going Paperless

The 2013-2014 Fact Book, the Wikipedia of Iowa State data, has taken on a more sustainable presence and is now available only in electronic copy. This “greener” format produces less waste and requires fewer resources leading to cost savings and ease of making ongoing changes and additions to offer the most up-to-date information available. The 2013-14 edition can be viewed here: http:// www.ir.iastate.edu/factbk.html

GREEN HIGHLIGHTS

College of Veterinary Medicine

Achieves Impressive “Green-ness”

Although Veterinary Medicine celebrated a LEED gold for their newly opened small animal hospital, the entire college has taken on a much larger sustainability challenge related to their collective energy consumption. Through their multiple years of hard work, creative solutions, and team commitment, in spite of their gross square footage of building space increasing by nearly 34%, they have reduced energy (btu) consumption by over 37%.

Power Plant Renovation Recycles 97% of Waste

Don’t Pay for Gas

Starting as a fleet of one two years ago, ISU’s car sharing program is offering a campus rental car program for students 18 and older, starting the 2013-2014 year with a fleet of three. An energy-efficient SUV joined the two-car rental fleet offering rental vehicles for pick-up on-campus at residential areas including Oak Elm, Martin Eaton and Fredericksen Court.

http://www.enterprisecarshare.com/carsharing/program/iowa-state

Iowa State University’s Power Plant has changed its look considerably since the beginning of the year. About onethird of its original building footprint has been removed in work related to the converstion of some of its coal boilers to natural gas and the completion of efficiency updates for the remaining coal boilers toward a more diverse and flexible campus energy portfolio. While the “end” is impressive, equally noteworthy has been the thoughtful process utilities’ leadership has taken to be as sustainably-cognizant as possible. This has resulted in the recycling of 97% of the waste materials produced throughout the renovation process to date.

Be looking forward to next semester’s green highlights, including the Symposium on Sustainability & Sustainapalooza

Febuary 24th and 25th!

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

Get Your “Green On” Cyclones

Although seemingly white… February is probably one of our greenest months at Iowa State University!! Every year at this time, we hold two signature sustainability events, the Symposium on Sustainability and Sustainapalooza. These are events that help us all to pause, take a look back at the past year, and take some time to openly and vigorously congratulate ourselves on all the greenness we have brought to ISU, Ames, and communities around Iowa, the United States, and the world. Each year, I am impressed all over again with the breadth and depth of our collective commitment to sustainability!!

The theme of this year’s event is Celebrating Our STARS, Charting Our Course and highlights the collective dedication and effort from ISU students, faculty, and staff that helped us achieve gold international sustainability certification (STARS). In addition to a panel presentation and discussion with University leadership about our STARS journey, this year’s events offer two keynote speakers, journalist and author Alan Weisman, and Des Moines, Iowa, Mayor Frank Cownie; a sustainability poster session; GIY (Green It Yourself) Centers; the 2014 Live Green Awards for Excellence in Sustainability; and an open forum discussion and visioning session to “chart our course” as we continue our journey toward a sustainable future.

I look forward to having your join us for the day, for a keynote, for an hour, or whenever you can. This is your celebration, Cyclones… your time to Get Your “Green On.” This is just the tip of the greenness that February and this issue of Live Green Monthly offers!! From green jobs to green art to greening your spring break… it’s all here and more!! Enjoy your read and your February! Yours in Greenness

Merry Rankin Director of Sustainability

1.

on

Carshare

Introducing the newest member of our Live Green! Team:

Caitlin Deaver

Marketing and Communications Intern, Freshman in Journalism and Mass Communication, cmdeaver@iastate.edu

2014 Symposium on Sustainability Celebrating Our STARS, Charting Our Course

Tue, 25 Feb from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Memorial Union Sun Room

The Symposium on Sustainability is Iowa State University’s annual event dedicated toward celebrating the sustainability initiatives and achievements of students, faculty, and staff during the past year and informing of goals and action items being pursued in the upcoming year.

This year’s event will kick-off on Monday, February 24, with a public lecture, “Countdown: Our Last Best Hope for a Future on Earth?” by author and journalist, Alan Weisman.

Alan Weisman’s reports have been featured in publications ranging from the Atlantic Monthly to Vanity Fair and have earned him appearances on The Daily Show and Colbert Report.

This year’s event will conclude on Tuesday, February 25th with a public lecture, “Climate Preparedness and Resilient Cities: What It Means in Iowa” by Des Moines, Iowa Mayor, Frank Cowie.

Mayor Cownie was one of eight U.S. mayors recentlly appointed to the State, Local and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience. The group has been charged with making recommendations to the White House for developing and financing tools to improve preparedness at the local level for incresingly frequent extreme weather conditions.

Registration is Open!

Schedule of Events

Monday Feb 24th, 2014

8:00pm

Alan Weisman - Countdown: Our Last Best Hope for a Future on Earth Memorial Union Great Hall

Tuesday Feb 25th, 2014

10:00am

12:00pm

1:00pm 1:10pm

Sustainability Poster Session to 8pm Symposium Registration

Welcome - Merry Rankin, Director of Sustainability

Opening Remarks - Dr. Jonathan Wickert, Senior Vice President and Provost

Achieving Gold Certification in Sustainability: Iowa State University’s Live Green! Foundation, Framework, and Vision - A Discussion with Leadership break from 2:45-3:00 Envisioning Our Next Five Live Green! Years: Open Forum Visioning and Goal Setting

Presentation of the 2014 Live Green Awards for Excellence in Sustainability

Closing Remarks

Awards and Poster Session Reception Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie: Climate Preparedness and Resilient Cities: What It Means in Iowa

Join us for the afternoon, one session, or even an hour. We look forward to having you join us for whatever time you have! Registration is requested but not required and closes at 7pm sunday, February 23rd. For the Registration Form and event information please visit: www.livegreen.iastate.edu We look forward to seeing you there!

Deadline for registration is February 23rd, 2014

Sustainapalooza is a companion event to the annual Symposium on Sustainability offering a very interactive and activities-based opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to increase awareness and engagement in sustainability initiatives, events, and opportunities on campus and in the Ames community.

The event includes a sustainability poster session (highlighting campus and community initiatives, accomplishments, and opportunities related to sustainability and living (and working) green, four interactive Green it Yourself (GIY) Centers, Live Green! carpet and pledge wall, and sustainabilitythemed giveaway items.

Green It Yourself Centers

Bike. Share. Ride. ISU’s Sustainable Transportation Effort

Come talk to representatives from Cyride and Enterprise Carshare to learn more about green transportation options. The Outdoor Recreation Program will be there facilitating hands on demonstrations and training on bike maintence and repair.

Dinner: You Can Grow It

At this center you can make your own mini herb garden to take home and grow in your apartment, dorm, or virtually anywhere! Learn how to grow fresh produce and herbs in an urban environment to continue expanding your new urban garden.

Upcycling for a Greener World!

Upcycling is the practice of taking a product at the end of its useful life and remaking it into a different product that can become useful again. At this center you have the opportunity to learn how to turn an old t-shirt into a functional tote bag (bring your own t-shirt if you’d like) and take old food containers and use them to grow

Discovering Your 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Route

Locate and learn more about your waste reduction hotspots at this center! Find out what, where, and how you can “reduce your wasteprint” around Ames.

Bring a nonperishable food item for the

This is a collaborative event sponsored by The Green Umbrella student organization, the Live Green! initiative, and the Council on Sustainability.

Whether you are in a relationship or embracing your friends and family, show your love by adding a little “green” on Valentine’s Day or any day.

Say It with a DIY Card

Rather than running to the department store for mass-produced cards, make your own! Whether it is “I love you,” “I am thankful for our friendship” or simply “Thanks,” use recycled paper or other materials you already have at home and make a fun, uniquely-made card that came straight from the heart. Go here for some homemade card-making ideas.

Indulge Your Inner Chocoholic

Flatter with Flowers

Give flowers to your special someone or brighten up a room! Wheatsfield sells fair trade roses for $2.49 a stem or $27.49 a bunch. Wheatsfield is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is located at 413 Northwestern Ave. in Ames. Ask your favorite florist for sustainable options. Sustainable blooms for any occasion can also be ordered online Organic Bouquet offers certified organic and sustainably harvested flowers year round.

Consider sustainable sweets for your Valentine’s indulgence. Worldly Goods at 223 Main Street in Ames offers fair trade and organic chocolate and a whole host of unique gift items from all over the world. You can also check out Wheatsfield Co-op and ask about their selection of fair trade and organic indulgences at your favorite gorcery store.

By shopping locally for locally-grown produce, you can benefit your community while eating something healthy. You’re not only impressing your significant other with your kitchen abilities, but also making an impact in your community. Find some

Cook for Your Love Green Your Bling

recipes here. Look for local products like cheese, honey, wine, meats and bread at your favorite grocer.

Sustainable jewelry for him and her are a good way to impress your significant other this Valentine’s Day. Novica is a sustainable option as their homemade jewelry benefits artisans from all over the world. Looking for a sustainable option? Ames has a number of local jewelers, like Ames Silversmithing or Melissa Stenstrom Fine Jewelry, that can offer unique and original creations.

This year add some green to your spring break by incorporating sustainable practices into your beach trip, weekend in the city, or wherever you are. No matter how you are spending your break, you can incorporate green ideas with little effort and maximum fun.

Before You Go

-Remember to unplug electronics, and turn off all lights before you leave your home. Set heat to 55 degrees or turn it off.

-Pack a reusable water bottle. This is something most people do not think to pack but this will keep you from having to buy bottled water the whole trip.

-Purchase reusable containers for toiletries instead of buying travel sized versions. You can use these in future trips and don’t have to worry about buying different travel products.

-Service your vehicle. Check your vehicle’s tire pressure and oil before leaving on your trip. Gas mileage can improve up to 3.3% with properly inflated tires and the proper grade of motor oil can increase it by 1-2%.

-Pack Light! No matter whether flying or driving, the weight of your bags adds to the amount of fuel it will take to get there. Remember, many items can be shared among friends or bought when you arrive at your destination.

Enjoying Your Destination

Leave No Trace – As many spring breakers will be spending time outdoors, it is important to make an effort to leave an area just as you found it. Collect items and recycle them before you leave. Leave the beach, cabin, or city just as it was when you got there.

On the road

-Rent a hybrid car. You will not be putting miles on your own car, and the money you save in gas could be more than the cost to rent the car. Plus you don’t have to worry about what to do incase of breakdowns.

-Pack snacks. Fast food uses a lot of recourses from the paper wrappers to the trucks delivering the food across the country. Packing your own food will cut down stop times, ensure you are eating the food you want and decrease resources being used. Pack your items using reusable containers, ice packs and utensils.

-Recycle on the go. iRecycle is an app that allows you to find a recycling location closest to you. Collect all your paper, plastic and glass while you’re on the go, and recycle it when you reach your destination.

- Avoid stop-and-go traffic. Traveling through towns with lots of stoplights and stopping at toll stations uses more fuel than driving on an open road. Idling in a traffic jam is even worse! Try to avoid cities and heavily populated areas during busy rush hours, and if a highway looks clogged, look up a different route.

- Slow down. Did you know anything over 60 mph reduces your mileage? Driving fast also means sudden starts and stops, which uses more fuel.

- Get the apps. There are many other apps that can help your roadtrip go smoothly and sustainably. Food Tripping is an app that locates farmers’ markets, juice bars, artisan shops, and other food alternatives to the standard fast food. Find an app that is right for your adventure.

- Stay in Eco-Friendly Lodging. Many hotels are beginning to conserve resources. Find a green hotel here: www. greenhotels.com, or consider camping if you are going to a warm destination.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS SPRING BREAK 2014

Stress Free Outdoors

Don’t have a lot of time or money to put into planning an awesome and green spring break trip? Let someone else do the planning with the ISU Outdoor Recreation Program. ORP is offering NINE spring break trips including surfing in California, skiing in Wyoming, exploring national parks in Colorado and many more! The trips range in price from just $170-$424 for students and pass holders. Registration ends between March 3rd and 10th, but be sure to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity fast as there are limited spots. For information on these trips, stop by the Outdoor Recreation Program located in State Gym or go to: www.recservices.iastate.edu/outdoors.

The Ultimate Staycation

The greenest option of all! With a friend or on your own plan each day with something fun or relaxing, or theme each day with multipule activities.

Cultural: Check out a local museum, art gallery, performance or park. Shop small downtown businesses and eat at locally sourced restaurants. Supporting local culture and businesses helps the local economy!

Sporty: Go skiing, take a kickboxing class, or rent a pair of snowshoes. There are infinite possibilities to suit everyone’s tastes. Afterwards relax at the gyms hot tub or sauna. Consult local gyms and recreational centers for classes, rentals or even day trips.

Hibernate: On a day the weather is just too cold or you’re just too tired to get out of bed, curl up inside with movies or a book, hot chocolate and a blanket fort.

Service: Give back to your community by volunteering at a local business or center, helping neighbors or at home making blankets or care packages. Check out local volunteer sites for opportunities.

Pinterest/DIY: You finally have time to try that recipe you saved on pinterest three months ago or do home improvement tasks. Take the day to add some sustainable upgrades or repairs to your house to make it run more efficently and save money.

Spring Cleaning: Take a day before going back to the real world to refresh your mind and surroundings. Find new homes or purposes for things you no longer need and organize the things you do. Be sure to organize your calendar and tasks so you feel confident and are ready.

Total Relaxation: Have a day of DIY spa treatments, yoga, clean eating and rest. Check out treatments just one way you can relax green.

give back

Service trips are a great way to do something meaningful with your week off, while still getting to travel, have fun, and relax! There are service opportunities with many organizations local, national and even international. There is sure to be one to fit anyones preference and they are very easy and affordable to do. Iowa State offers many service trip opportunites during spring break through programs like Alternative Breaks, Habitat for Humanity, Student Conservation Association, study abroad, service - learning, local churches and other areas. Living, Land & Water is just one of the many trips available.

Living Land & Water’s Alternative Spring Break Trip in Memphis, TN

This is a great opportunity for students to assist with cleaning debris along the Mississippi River. Students will traverse the Mississippi River both on foot and in boats while working with the LL&W crew and other college students to remove debris that is polluting the rivers and impairing the habitat of indigenous fish, birds, and wildlife. Founder, Chad Pregracke, grew up along the Mississippi River and created LL&W at age 23 to take the initative upon himself to clean up the trash on shores and in rivers. He recently received a 2013 CNN Hero Nomination. For more information, please contact Nora CoyneLogan 309.236.0728. Estimated cost of trip is approximately $212. To sign up, go to

www.livinglandsandwaters.org.

eDuCaTION aND reSILIeNCy THrOuGH HOrTICuLTure “earTH’ PrOGraM

each semester, fall, spring, and summer, students from isu spend 8-12 weeks at st. John as service learning students as part of the eARTH Program. They have the opportunity to integrate and apply everything they have learned while at isu to teach horticulture, environmental science, and culinary arts classes to K-12 classes. students also build facilities that will benefit the school for years to come, work with local experts to learn more about tropical horticulture and plant ecology, and assist with community development projects on the island.

To learn more, attend an eARTH Program meeting march 10th at 5:30pm in Horticulture Hall Room 110.

For more information and to apply, go to: http://www.agstudyabroad.iastate.edu/internship/virgin%20islands%20internship.html

beCOMe

ParT OF a GreeN TeaM

American Packaging Corporation is looking for an intern to be part of their “green committee.” This position’s responsibilities include: Assisting with sustainability efforts, working directly with engineering and manufacturing to identify, research and implement projects throughout the facility. This position is available immediately with the opportunity to continue through multiple school years and summers. Apply by emailing a cover letter and resume to hr@ampkcorp.com, For more information visit: www.AmPkCorp.com

MaKING CONNeCTIONS - SOLVING PrObLeMS

This year’s iowa Water Conference will take place march 3-4 in the scheman Building at iowa state. The conference will consist of plenary and breakout sessions, workshops and poster and oral presentations from water professionals. Discounts are available for students and with early registration before February 21st.

The conference will also offer a poster competition for students. students entering the competition will submit there posters on march 4th between 9:45 and 10:15am and awards will be announced at lunch that day. To register and for more information, go to: www.aep.iastate.edu/iwc

GeT yOur VINe ON

Think you can show how to make our campus more sustainable in just 6 seCoNDs? The GReeNHouse GRouP is sponsoring a contest to do just this by making a vine and tagging it #sustainapaloozaghg to enter. Results will be revealed at sustainapalooza on February 25th!

WHaT IS yOur VISION TO CHaNGe THe WOrLD?

The odebrecht organization invites students to join in the search for innovative projects to promote sustainable and responsible development that can be implemented in real-world situations with measurable results and significant positive impact. Projects may be submitted by an individual, or in groups of less than three students and include an overseeing advising professor. Registration for this event is currently open with a submission deadline of may 31st. For more information, go to: www.odebrechtaward.com

IN SearCH OF bIOreNeWabLe arT

entry forms are now being accepted for the 2014 Biorenewables Art Competition. The artwork submitted should reflect the Bioeconomy institute’s mission of advancing the development of biorenewable resources for the production of materials, fuels, energy, and chemicals. students submitting artwork are required to provide a 150 to 300 word artist statement describing the life cycle of the materials used in the work of art or the life cycle of the subject matter depicted. entry forms are due before turning in work on march 7th. Access the entry form at: www.engineering.iastate.edu/brl/art Winners will be announced at an earth Day reception on April 22nd.

JOIN THe FeLLOWSHIP

Apply for the Department of energy’s energy efficiency and Renewable energy science and Technology Policy Fellowships! The fellowship will help you develop as a leader in energy efficiency and renewable energy. This is an opportunity for scientists and engineers with energy technology experience to participate in research, development, demonstration and analysis projects at Geothermal Technologies office in Washington, D.C.

To view eligibility, requirements and additional information, please visit the oak Ridge institute for science and education website at: http://orise.orau.gov/science-education/internships-scholarships-fellowships/description.aspx?Jobid=14572

Alternative Breaks: Not Just for Spring Break!

Alternative Breaks has been a popular program at Iowa State for the past seven years offering multiple service trips over spring break. This year, to build on the program’s previous success, two trips were added during the last week of Iowa State’s winter break, resulting in 92 applicants for the 18 students spots. Students first had to send in an application then went through an interview process to be chosen for the very coveted spots.

Two trips were organized, one to Campus Kitchens in St. Louis, MO and another to Chicago to work with the Misericordia organization. The students chosen for the trips met regularly during the semester prior to the trip to learn more about what they would be doing on these trips, why it matters and how to make a difference not only on the trip but in the future.

Campus Kitchens is a national organization that works with universities and student leaders to build a more sustainable approach to food on campus. The kitchens are student-run and keep food from going to waste by turning it into nutritious meals for those struggling with food insecurity. The St. Louis trip worked with Campus Kitchens to prepare meals for the elderly, low-income, and people with disabilities.

The students who journeyed to St. Louis also collaborated with Food Outreach, an organization that provides food and nutritional services to people with HIV/AIDS or cancer, and Karen’s House, a shelter for homeless women.

Misericordia provides a variety of services to persons with mild to profound developmental dishabilles. The 31-acre Chicago campus provides community integrated living arrangements, on-campus apartments, group homes and a skilled nursing residence. The trip to Chicago worked with Misericordia to help facilitate activities for the residents.

Look for news about the ISU Alternative Spring Break trips in our April newsletter! Although it is too late to apply to take part in an ISU alternative break this year, check out our Alternative Options article for ideas on creating your own alternative break

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

Spring-ing into Opportunities

With spring-like weather comes many opportunities to do things we have been yearning for as we’ve been stuck inside for the winter. These are also opportunities to support the Live Green! initiative, increase the sustainability of our community and add some “green” to your personal footprint. As you venture out, “spring” into these opportunities:

De-grime your vehicle – Instead of a DIY wash, try a commercial one. Commercial washes use an average of 35 gallons of water compared to home washing that can easily reach 150 gallons. All the water from commercial car washes is captured and treated (and reused), rather than running down a driveway and directly into a storm sewer. Clean your space – Look for cleaning products that not only keep your space clean, but also maintain a clean environment in and out of your home. As a general rule, if a product is labeled poison or danger, it can have considerable hazardous impacts. The most effective cleaning products are often ones that you make yourself with products you already have like baking soda.

Plan your garden – When thinking about a garden and deciding what to plant, fertilizers and pesticides are often a part of the what we consider. Before you go to the nearest gardening store and get these supplies, consider some effective alternatives that have a lighter footprint. A great alternative is trying backyard composting. It reduces food waste and the water and energy your disposal uses, as well as money on fertilizers. Give back – In general, any volunteering supports sustainability because it is helping to build your community. There is one option coming up at the end of March that offers a fantastic opportunity to help the Ames community and the environment – Stash the Trash, which keeps trash out of waterways and makes the community aesthetically pleasing.

Find your niche – The great thing about sustainability is that it has a connection to every facet of our lives, both personally and professionally. Consider your own opportunities you can’t wait to “spring into,” and see how you can add a little “green” to them.

“Spring” with vigor!!

Yours in Greenness, Merry Rankin Director of Sustainability Merry Rankin

Celebrating Our STARS, Charting Our Course

RECAP

The Symposium kicked off this year with a lecture by Alan Weisman entitled Countdown: Our Last, Best Hope for a Future on Earth?. Students and community members filled the Great Hall to hear him speak about population growth and the challenges it poses for a sustainable human future. He proposed ideas on how we could achieve a stable, optimum population and design an economy that allows for prosperity and noted the choice is ours to choose to manage our future gracefully or let nature crash around us. After the lecture, Weisman greeted guests at a book signing.

Celebrating Our STARS...

This year’s Symposium program on Feb. 25 was focused specifically on ISU’s recent international STARS sustainability certification. Merry Rankin, Director of Sustainability, kicked off the sustainability and STARS event by presenting an overview of our highlights, which featured the ISU Power Plant’s conversion from coal to gas, new LEED buildings on campus, installation of low-flow water features in the residence halls and installation of water bottle refilling stations through recycling efforts and the campus-wide recycling program.

Presentations from leaders in Dining, Facilities Planning and Management, IT, Purchasing, Residence, Student Affairs and Transportation looked specifically at each other’s missions and goals and how a commitment to and focus on sustainability enhanced their effectiveness and service to customers, while also challenging their strategic planning processes.

Charting Our Course...

The second half of the event included an open forum visioning and discussion session, focusing on our collective Live Green! journey and strategic goals for ISU in reflection of what we achieved thus far. Hillary Kletscher, GSB vice president, kicked off the session by offering thoughts on student vision, interest and perspective on sustainability.

The day’s events ended with the presentation of the 2013 Live Green! Awards for Excellence in Sustainability and a sustainability poster session and reception.

The Symposium continued into the evening with the third annual Sustainapalooza hosted by The Green Umbrella student organization. Attendees walked the Live Green! carpet, added their “star” to the Live Green! Wall of Stars, “got green” at Green It Yourself (GIY) centers and collected sustainable-minded giveaway items.

The night concluded with a lecture from Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, “Climate Preparedness and Resilient Cities: What It Means in Iowa.” The mayor spoke about his sustainability work with residents and businesses in Des Moines. He also discussed his role as a member of the State, Local and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience, for which he helps make recommenations to the White House in developing and financing tools to improve preparedness at the local level for increasingly frequent exteme weather conditions.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

Office of the President

Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost

Office of the Vice President of Research

Athletics Department

Bioeconomy Institute

Center for Building Energy Research

Climate Science Program

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

College of Business

College of Design

College of Engineering

College of Human Sciences

What’s your vision for a green ISU?

Making ISU a more sustainable campus and offering beneficial events such as the Symposium are primary goals of the Live Green! Initiative.

Please complete a short survey to help guide our ongoing efforts.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

College of Veterinary Medicine

Council on Sustainability

Division of Business and Finance

Environmental Health and Safety

Facilities Planning and Management

Government of the Student Body

March 24, 2015

Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication

Henry Wallace Endowed Chair for Sustainability Agriculture

ISU Dining

University Library

University Relations

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Find the number and match it to its caption below!

Sustainapalooza attendees were offered reusable water bottles that could also accomodate fruit infusion.

The 2013 Live Green! Award winners and nominees received recognition at the Symposium.

Attendees of Sustainapalooza take part in Green It Yourself centers through “upcycled” T-shirts into reusable bags. Students, faculty and staff added their personal sustainability accomplishments to the “Live Green!” Wall of Stars at Sustainapalooza.

Fruit-infused water was one of the healthier refreshment options offered at this year’s event.

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At the Symposium on Sustainability three Live Green! Awards of Excellence in Sustainability were awarded.

The Live Green! Award for Excellence in Sustainability recognizes individuals or groups that are making an impact on the sustainability efforts on campus by generating awareness and interest through initiatives that focus on teaching, reaching, outreach or operations. Nominees were evaluated on criteria including cultural and economic impact, impact on natural resources, transferability and legacy to the Live Green! Initiative and sustainability at Iowa State University. This year’s awards honored three student initiatives: Greeks Go Green, a sustainable art installation by Qiyi Li and the Sustainable Agriculture Student Association.

Greeks Go Green

Greeks Go Green, started by a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity, Brian Skalak, is a student organization whose purpose is to bring awareness of sustainability to the Greek Community. Their goal is to reach out to as many people as possible by tying together Greek life and sustainability in an easy and fun way.

As a second year organization, one of their main objectives is gaining dedicated and passionate members. To reach out to the Greek chapters, they have been working to establish sustainability chairs in each of the chapters. The sustainability chair would act as a liaison between the club and their own chapter, motivate efforts of energy savings and recycling in the chapter facility and implement sustainable projects with their chapters.

Greeks Go Green has partnered with The Grove Apartments in their efforts. The Grove Apartments has donated items to raffle at a bake sale fundraiser held by the club and Greeks Go Green is helping with The Grove’s annual “Recyclepalooza” event. This two-way partnership has allowed them to help each other by sharing supplies, man-power and support.

This April, they will be starting a new event called the Greek Energy Challenge. This is a competition between the Greek chapter facilities to see who can lower their energy usage the most in comparison to their April 2013 usage. This event will encourage all Greek members to do their part in saving energy. They will also be having their biannual Lake LaVerne Clean-Up on Sunday, April 27, from 2-4 p.m.

Greeks Go Green President comments on the future of the club stating, “With finishing up our third year as a student organization, we hope we continue to grow in membership and in diversity of chapters represented within our club.” Fundraising will also be a focus in the coming year to allow for more opportunities for the club and members.

Qiyi LiSustainable Art Installation

Qiyi Li is a 5th-year student in the College of Design’s Landscape Architecture Program with a secondary major in environmental studies. She is also a member of the University Honors Program. For her honors capstone project, Qiyi chose to do a week-long art installation in the College of Design atrium called “A Little Dreamer.”

The installation consisted of 634 paper airplanes strung in lines from the four balconies to the opposite wall’s ground level. The paper used to make these airplanes was letter-sized paper that people had discarded from the College of Design printing lab. The number of planes represents the number of trees that are cut down for virgin paper production every five seconds worldwide. Qiyi was inspired to create this installation by artist Dawn Ng’s project “I Fly Like Paper.” Qiyi took the idea of paper airplanes but added many layers to it, including expressing childhood memories and dreams, architectural reformation and reexperiencing, paper conservation and sustainability.

She named the installation “A Little Dreamer” to represent the childhood memories layer of the project. She stated, “I wanted this art to remind people of their childhood dreams, those pure, beautiful, innocent dreams, and accept the true beauty of who they are.”

Although art usually represents the artist’s reflection or expression, Qiyi wanted this installation to be neutral and reflect only the audience’s thoughts. “Paper airplanes are such a media that are similar enough to evoke resonance, but at the same time, different enough to be personal,” says Qiyi. The installation was so well received by the project that instead of only keeping it up for one week, she was asked to keep it up for an entire month.

Qiyi has become more interested in public advocacy of sustainability through her secondary major in environmental studies. Learning about resource scarcity, sustainability challenges and environmental issues, she has become more aware of the importance of public awareness stating, “Only when you realize the importance of it will you start to take actions.” This is why she wanted to use her own efforts to raise awareness of paper recycling and sustainable conservation practices.

After graduation, Qiyi plans to continue her efforts in advocating sustainability and environmental protection through her work in landscape architecture. She stated, “There are so many people taking different approaches toward sustainability, and I really want to make meaningful contributions in my own ways. As for completing another project like “A Little Dreamer,” Qiyi says that with time her ideas and understandings will develop, and she would love to do another project to express her deeper understandings in the future.

Sustainable Agriculture Student Association

Sustainable Agriculture Student Association, or SASA, is a student organization that promotes sustainable agriculture, outreach and improvement of the current agricultural paradigm and consumer education.

Since 2012, the group has had a significant presence at Food at First (free meal program) in Ames. Their members volunteer to help plan, prepare and serve at least one meal per month to 50-125 members of the Ames community.

In 2013, Food at First director, Chris Martin, reached out to the group with an opportunity to take over a community garden space with the idea to grow additional fresh produce for both Food at First and the “Free Market” perishable food bank. Members of the group worked throughout the year to grow and harvest produce, which resulted in providing healthy food options in Food at First meals, as well as 160 bags of produce and several hundred pounds of tomatoes to the “Free Market.” They have already purchased seeds for this year’s garden and also have plans to do startups at the Iowa Arboretum.

SASA also gets involved with the Ames community through the Annual Ames Garden Tour held in the fall. The Ames Garden Tour showcases local residential and community gardens and features demonstrations for sustainable gardening practices. Next year’s tour will feature guest speaker Dr. M Jahi Chappell from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, and it will take place in October.

On their plans for the future, Co-President Jackie Nester states, “We hope to increase our impact on the campus community this year by doing more partnerships with other student organizations, and to help sponsor and coordinate influential big name speakers to ISU for the benefit of all of the Ames community.” If you are interested in joining SASA or would like more information, contact Jackie at nester@iastate.edu.

Meet the SASA members under the Live Green! tent at VEISHEA! They will be partnering with Ames High School students to display their latest environmental science project, as well as feature a card making station where visitors can make a card with complimentary seeds from Seed Savers on the inside.

What Exactly Is World Water Day?

What Exactly Is World Water Day?

About 8 percent of the global energy is being used for pumping, treating and transporting water. The point of World Water Day, founded by the United Nations, focuses on this water-energy connection through six objectives:

Raise awareness of the inter-linkages between water and energy.

Contribute to a dialogue that focuses on the range of issues related to water and energy.

Demonstrate to decision makers that integrated approaches and solutions to water-energy issues can achieve greater economic and social impacts.

Identify policy formulation issues in which the United Nations’ system can offer contributions.

Identify key stakeholders in the water-energy nexus and engage them in further developing the waterenergy linkages.

Contribute as relevant to the post-2015 discussions in relation to the water-energy nexus. For more information and resources, go to www.unwater.org.

Celebrate World Water Day Every Day!

Celebrate World Water Day Every Day!

Choose showers over baths. It takes approximately 70 gallons of water to fill a bathtub, so showers are much more efficient. Lowflow showerheads can save an additional 15 gallons of water.

Wash in cold water, and if you have the option, use an energy-efficient front-loading washing machine. It uses about 20 gallons of water

per load, instead of 40 gallons in a toploading washer.

Report leaks. A small drip can waste 20 gallons of water each day. Depending on the severity of the leak, hundreds of gallons of water could be wasted. Call 4-5100 to report leaks on campus.

Reduce, reuse and recycle your paper. If you recycle a pound of paper, it saves 3.5 gallons of water. Buying recycled paper saves uses, as gasoline is produced with water. Look for local food options, too.

Consider your food’s journey. The longer your food travels to get to your dinner plate, the more water it

Combine your errands and carpool with friends and coworkers to reduce not only your water footprint, but your energy footprint, as well. A gallon of gas takes about 13 gallons of water to produce.

water, as it takes six gallons to produce a dollar’s worth of virgin paper.

For some other tips and ways to save water, check out this recent feature article in National Geographic.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE DARK

Earth Hour is a global phenomenon that brings everyone together to display a united commitment to protect the planet and create a better future. At 8:30 p.m. on March 29, turn off all lights for an hour. Take advantage of the hour by going for a walk, hanging out with friends and family or having a candle-lit dinner. You can even start your own event with the Earth Hour Starter Kit.

ATTEND THE LAS SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is hosting a free sustainability workshop. On Monday, April 7, the event will examine new approaches for interdisciplinary collaboration between the sciences, the humanities and business in fields related to sustainability. The workshop begins at 1 p.m. in the Iowa State Alumni Center. Register for the free workshop by noon on Friday, March 14, by emailing Kristin Doerder.

CHECK OUT THE AMES ECO FAIR

The annual Ames Eco Fair is right around the corner. Attend and learn more about water conservation, electrical efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, environmental volunteerism and many more eco-friendly opportunities. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, at the Community Center Gymnasium at 515 Clark Ave., in Ames. For more information on what to expect at the Ames Eco Fair, check out cityofames.org.

GIVE BACK TO IOWA STATE AND AMES

VEISHEA Service Day is a volunteer effort to bring ISU and the community together to give back to the Ames community. This year, Veishea Service Day offers give back opportunities to the Ames animal shelter, parks and recreation areas, youth center, community preschool and Reiman Gardens, among others.

VEISHEA Service Day will take place on Saturday, March 29. Volunteers can sign up for open projects at Reiman Gardens from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day or register online at www.veishea.iastate.edu. Another opportunity is Stash the Trash, a community-wide trash pick-up event, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information can be found on page 11.

GROW OUR GARDENS

The Student Organic Farm (SOF) has begun planning for planting at their gardens. The gardens are located behind the Insectary Building on campus and at the ISU Horticulture Research Station at 55519 170th Street, in Ames. They plan to break ground within March, weather allowing. Taking part in SOF is also a great way to learn about low-input vegetable production and to earn fresh vegetables. Go to ISU’s SOF website for more information. The SOF will be growing all kinds of crops, from zucchinis to sweet corn. The produce goes to SOF members, ISU Dining and local food banks. Anyone interested in getting involved may contact isustudentorganicfarm@gmail.com.

WELCOME CLIMATE ACTION IOWA

Climate Action Iowa, ISU’s newest sustainable student organization, organizes students, interns and volunteers to educate the public, build coalitions, promote grassroots power and train the next generation of environmental leaders on green issues to defeat anti-environment agendas and support those who stand up for a green future for America. They have different meeting times throughout the week depending on what issues students want to work on. For more information on how to get involved, contact Kelsey Roehrich.

Congratulations to Hillary Kletscher and Mike Hoefer, who recently won their bid for president and vice president of the Government of the Student Body for the 2014-15 school year.

They bring with them a platform dedicated to sustainability. Kletscher remains and was an initial supporter of the bike share program currently being developed. This program would allow students to rent bikes from certain bike racks on campus and then return the bikes to any other rack for other students to use. They are also pursuing development of a Craigslist-like website that will allow ISU students to trade and sell unwanted items, instead of putting them in the trash. In addition, they are excited about continuing to expand the campus-wide recycling program that was proven successful in the GSB-led recycling trial at Parks Library last semester.

The Bergstrom Football Complex recently received a silver certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. It is ISU’s seventh project to be certified for meeting environmentally sensitive design, maintenance and construction standards. The only higher certifications are gold and platinum, respectively.

Some factors that led to the certification include: 98 percent of the waste generated during construction was recycled and water consumption was reduced by 53 percent with low-flow showers, sinks and toilets.

The other certifications include: Morrill Hall (silver); Biorenewables Research Lab, Hach Hall, the College of Vet Med’s Small Animal Hospital (gold); and State Gym and the College of Design’s King Pavillion (platinum).

To learn more, contact Kerry Dixon, Sustainability Coordinator for FP&M Design and Construction Services.

Enac tus, an ISU student organization, recently was awarded third place in the regional Phillips 66-Enactus Business Ethics Case Competition.

Enac tus’ focus is to bring together a diverse network of university students, academic professionals and industry leaders around the shared mission of creating a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business.

In the case competition, members were faced with an ethical dilemma and given 36 hours to prepare an executive summary and presentation. This year’s case dealt with an employer’s unethical request of the username and password of a social media site from a job applicant.

Contact Carrie Belanger, case competitior and president of Enactus, for more information.

CyServe Day 2014

February 22nd students took a couple of hours away from their busy schedules to give back during CyServe Day 2014. Previously, the 10,000 Hours Show, CyServe Council strives to make volunteering opportunities easier for students to find and participate through partnerships with the United Way of Story County, the Volunteer Center of Story County, the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and Iowa State University. Students were able to register online for the event by picking a time and activity that suited them best.

Two of the day’s opportunities included working with Colleges Against Cancer in preparation for ISU’s Annual 12hour Relay for Life event. With the theme of “Celebrate More Birthday”, volunteers helped by designing posters, constructing birthday hats and making 600 colored ribbons representing different types of cancers. This helped contribute to the events success of raising $102,95.85, and involving 1,263 dedicated participants for cancer support and research.

Additional opportunities included spring cleaning in the Gerdin Business Building, Carver, East Hall and for Ames ACCESS.

If you missed out on CyServe Day 2014 but still want to help out in the community, VEISHEA Service Day has plenty of opportunities.

Come help make Ames and Iowa State beautiful and clean on March 29th by participating in VEISHEA Service Day and Stash the Trash. There are 15 different volunteer options for VEISHEA Service Day, including reading to and doing crafts with children, completing maintenance tasks at Reiman Gardens, landscaping and mulching at the Iowa Arboretum, building a new trail with Central Iowa Trails, spring cleaning and kennel building at the Ames Animal Shelter, along with many more opportunities. The events take place at different times and locations throughout the day.

Register at: http://tinyurl.com/ph7hov3

Stash the Trash takes place from 8:30am-2pm with check in at the Reiman Gardens parking lot. Volunteers will be helping pick up trash throughout the Ames community and the ISU campus. All volunteers receive free lunch and free admission to Reiman Gardens. Volunteers can check in any time throughout the day to take part.

Register at: http://tinyurl.com/p289565

Earth Hour

Soil Health & Sustainability lecture

April

CCUWDP Summer Internship Deadline April 15th

Ames HS Sustainability Poster Show

Discover the history of Earth Day, learn when it was started and how it has grown since then.

Hear stories of students who spent their spring break volunteering to make the world a greener place.

Are you financially sustainable? Find resources to gain financial literacy

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

Tis’ the “Get Your Green On” Season

As the song goes… for everything there is a season. With April comes the season of celebrating all that is green and the international holiday – Earth Day.

This issue of Live Green! Monthly is brimming with opportunities to celebrate, not only Earth Day, but Earth Week, and Earth Month. There are opportunities happening throughout the entire month across campus and throughout the community for every age and area of interest - that support and celebrate the planet and all that sustains it… environmentally, socially, and economically. For example:

• Sports Enthusiast? Join the Nearly Naked Mile event that promotes health and collects clothing for needy families in the community

• Sports Enthusiast with a Dog? Take part in SCAVMA Scamper, promoting human and animal health in a running event that encourages dogs to bring their humans.

• Crafty Type? Check out some unique art by local artists and add some green to the local economy at the Lucky Star Spring Market.

• Enjoy Celebrating? Stop by the Free Speech Zone for an Earth Day Celebration including FREE bike tune-ups, refreshments, and sustainability-minded giveaways.

• Movie Goer? Take in multiple eco-movie (campus) showings including Pandora’s Promise, The China Syndrome, and Climate Refugees.

Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Month Student Spotlight

Alternative Spring Breaks

Green Opportunities Green Achievements Financial Literacy Spring Cleaning Events Calendar

• Techie? Clean out your old, used, and broken and take them to University Bookstore’s Make Earth Day Pay Day Event… shrink your wasteprint, expand your wallet.

• Art Buff? View the winners of the 2014 Biorenewables Art Competition, celebrating the Bioeconomy Institute’s mission of advancing the development of biorenewable resources for the production of materials, fuels, energy, and chemicals.

• Dig Dirt? Take advantage of multiple opportunities to get some “dirt under your fingernails” through planting trees with Agronomy, gardening at Wheatsfield Cooperative, and rain gardening with Engineers for a Sustainable World.

• Volunteering Junkie? Pay forward through a number of “give back” opportunities including litter pick-up events sponsored by IRHA and The Green Umbrella and butterfly monitor training at Reiman Gardens.

And the list goes on and on. Check out pages 2-3, as well as the 2014 Earth Month Calendar of Events on the Live Green! website for more information and opportunities.

Happy Earth Month!! Embrace your inner “green”, Cyclones!!

Yours in green-ness, Merry Rankin

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Earth Day

April 22

Earth Day was founded in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson as a day of education about environmental issues. It is held every year on April 22nd to maximize its reach to students at grade schools and universities. Although started in the United States, in 1990, Earth Day became an internationally recognized event and is now celebrated in more than 192 countries. Many people and communities have chosen to celebrate Earth Week holding an entire week’s worth of green activities instead of just a day. Today, Earth Day is celebrated throughout our campus, community, state, country and world. At ISU, we celebrate Earth Month with numerous campus and community events throughout the entire month of April. Read on to discover how you can be a part of this year’s Earth Day, Week and Month celebration.

Did You Know?

Earth Day has more than one billion participants worldwide making it the largest civic observance in the world.

The founding of Earth Day was inspired by anti-war protests after a major oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.

The Earth Day Network is an organization that works with 22,000 partners in 192 countries to expand and further develop the global effort.

Earth Day was offically renamed by the United Nations as International Mother Earth Day in 2009.

Do Your Part

Here are five easy steps you can take to show your appreciation for our earth and leave a “light footprint”.

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Over 20 million people took part in the first Earth Day. Now more than 1 billion people take part worldwide.

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Replace the light bulbs in your home, dorm room or apartment to energy efficient light bulbs. Change your bank and credit card statements to paperless. You can save paper and postage by doing business and getting bill statements online. Wash your laundry in cold water. Cold water laundry detergents get clothes just as clean without the extra energy use. Ride a bike or take public transportation. Just one gallon of gas adds about 19 pounds of carbon dioxide to the air. Use passive methods of cooling this summer, such as windows or curtains to block out the sun instead of air conditioning.

Explore more events to celebrate the Earth in Ames and at ISU on

our Live Green! Earth Month calendar.

Celebrate Earth Month!

Join in celebrating Earth Day throughout the entire month by taking part in a variety of campus, community and national events and opportunities in Ames and all over the world.

FRIENDS & FAMILY

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH YOUR SELF

There are many ways to get together with your friends and family to celebrate Earth Day. One idea is to have an Earth Dinner. This can be a traditional dinner or stand up social hour and can be very simple to have. To plan an Earth dinner, use as many local and seasonal ingredients as possible. Farmer’s markets are a great place to find local food, and in season produce is a great value. Secondly, know the story behind your food. Think about and have conversations about the foods orgin, the farmer who grew it, the history and culture of the recipies and more. This is a great way to spark conversation and stumble upon some good stories. Finally, have meaningful conversations about food, farming and your connection to the Earth and each other. If you choose to decorate, get creative and use recycled materials.

COMMUNITY

There are many events going on in the Ames community during the month of April to celebrate the Earth. Wheatsfield Cooperative is especially celebratory with a week full of hands-on opportunities.

CAMPUS & LIVE GREEN!

Join Live Green! and The Green Umbrella and campus and community organizations, initiatives and businesses for an Earth Day celebration on April 22nd. Join us in the Parks Library Free Speech Zone from 11am-2pm to learn about how campus and the Ames community are getting their green on 365 days a year. The event will also feature free bike tune-ups, refreshments and the Live Green! Earth Day Challenge with a chance to earn sustainable prizes.

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Plant Some Seeds

Composting with Worms Beginners Bike Repair

Co-op Clean Up Beginners Bike Repair

First take a selfie. The Nature Conservancy is encouraging people to take a selfie in a park, garden or other nature setting with the hashtag #NatureSelfie. Switch your selfie to your social media profile picture to show your support of protecting the planet.

Second check your footprint. Explore the Earth Day Network website and take a quiz to see what your footprint on the Earth is.

Third challenge yourself. Complete HGTV’s Earth Day eight-step challenge. http://tinyurl.com/dceqm6

Interested in more self challenges? There are plenty of online outlets to celebrate Earth Day. Get online and explore! http://tinyurl.com/77efvgw

Hillary Kletscher, 2014-15 President Elect for the Government of the Student Body

Hillary Kletscher, 2014-15 President Elect for the Government of the Student Body

Hillary Kletscher, current GSB vice president and junior in biological systems, was first exposed to sustainable ideas as a kid growing up on a grain farm in Minnesota.

“Sustainability is the future of our world,” she said. “I care about sustainability because we have a growing world population, and a small percentage of people using the world’s resources means that we are not providing for the greater good. I care about sustainability because it is the future.”

Kletscher was recently elected GSB president for the 2014-15 academic year. Her vice president is Mike Hoefer, who’s majoring in industrial engineering, and the duo has many goals for next year that pertain to sustainability on campus, including:

- Campus-wide recycling program

- ISU student-only exchange website

- Evaluate and support development of an ISU bike share program

The campus-wide recycling program kicked off this fall and piloted its first new building program during Dead Week at Parks Library; the program offered recycling containers for glass, metal, plastic and mixed paper throughout the building with student volunteers monitoring their use.

The exchange website, which is a partnered effort with the Computer Engineering department’s senior capstone course, will function like an ISU-only Craigslist. On this site, students can help each other by buying, selling, trading or giving away textbooks, furniture and other unneeded items that would otherwise be tossed in the dumpster.

The bike share program, which Kletscher has always been a supporter of, will act as an efficient and sustainable transportation option for students, faculty and staff, as well as ISU visitors. Program Development is also a collaborative effort between GSB and the Industrial Design department. As the progresses, additional departments will also be partnering.

this progresses, additional departments will also be partnering.

“Sustainability means caring about the impact we leave behind as we live our lives,” Kletscher said. “It means working to preserve and enrich the beautiful world that we live in. Sustainability is important to Iowa State as a leader in engineering and agriculture, as well as working with passionate students who desire to improve the world.”

she’s not keeping busy with GSB, Kletscher is involved in many other activties. Her involvement includes

When she’s not keeping busy with GSB, Kletscher is involved in many other activities. Her involvement includes Dance Marathon, the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), Honors, the President’s Leadership Class, Minnesota FFA and Alpha Gamma Delta. After graduation, Kletscher hopes to work in the private industry in biofuels or grain processing, going after her interest that developed from her experience growing up on a grain farm.

To get involved with GSB:

- Like them on Facebook

- Follow @isugsb on Twitter

“I desire to use all of our agricultural goods as efficiently as possible so that we can continue to work to provide for the needs of the world,” she said.

“It felt very good to build something that was actually going to make a direct impact on the lives of the children and families in the neighborhood.”

That’s what Amy Fay, senior in interior design, said about her trip to Lima, Peru, over spring break. She went with eight other ISU design students to help design and build a micro-library in the El Carmen neighborhood in Comas, a suburb of Lima. They worked with students in Lima on the project.

Members included Fay, Kellen Pacheco, Tatiana Tien, Navaz Ebrahim, Yu Zhang, Sienna Shen, Jamie Liu and Professor of Architecture Clare Cardinal-Pett.

The micro-library was built in just a few days, and all 660 books were collected by both students in Ames and in Lima.

“We started a book drive on campus and at a couple of businesses in downtown Ames to collect books to bring to the library,” Fay said. “Books in English are expensive and hard to get in Lima, so bringing donation books from Ames in English is helpful for children trying to learn [the language]. In Lima, they were also collecting books in Spanish.”

Because textbooks are not provided by the schools in Lima, children must buy their own books. Often times, however, their families cannot afford

them, so the library will provide them with free access to books.

“Having free access to a library and books gives the community an equal chance to provide tools for learning to their children,” Fay said. “The library

The ISU and Peruvian students began planning the designs for the micro-library the entire semester prior to its construction in late March.

They began preparing the designs by researching other micro-libraries from around the world and informal urbanism. One of the instructors for the students in Lima also came to Ames to share her knowledge.

“[The instructor was able to] help us better understand the site and building methods and materials they have [in Lima], and answered many of our questions about the project,” Fay said.

She hopes the library will continue to grow and be utilized by the community.

“Having textbooks and other books available should contribute to the success of their learning, and form a greater sense of community,” Fay said.

The trip was a way to research informal urbanism for the studio’s next project, as students are to spend the rest of the year designing their own projects that would benefit either Lima or Bogota, Colombia.

contributes to the quality of life for the community, ensuring that basic needs are met, while providing fair and equal opportunities for all.”

“Many of the students have chosen to base their project once again in Comas, and have chosen to design things such as a community kitchen, public restroom system, bike sharing system and public hotspots,” Fay said.

Parker Neid, a sophomore in management information systems, spent his Spring Break making a sustainable difference in Wellington, Colorado. He, along with nine other ISU students, spent their Spring Break in Wellington, Colorado at Harvest Farms, a Christian drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for men.

“We spent the week volunteering with the men on the farm,” Neid said. “We worked in different areas, including maintenance, agriculture, gardening and the kitchen. I experienced new activities, met new people, and had a blast!”

The 209-acre farm and rehabilitation center houses up to 72 men as they take part in the center’s New Life program.

The New Life program is a five-phase process that helps men determined to break cycles of addiction and poverty gain the skills, stability and selfesteem needed to become self-sufficient members of society through educational, spiritual and emotional support.

Neid said the experience was educational, thought-provoking and fun, especially because he got to know both the men on the farm and the group of students from Iowa State. “Hearing the stories of the participants and staff, working along side them and making a difference all at the same time was inspirational,” he said.

The trip served as a definitive learning experience for Neid, as well. “Unfortunately, the worst life has to offer can happen to anyone. I learned about the life-long struggle of drug and alcohol addiction, about the farm’s New Life program and even myself,” he said. “In addition, I learned new things about faith, friendship and travel.”

Regarding his time at Harvest Farms, he said he’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. “This was [a unique] opportunity that I am grateful to have been a part of,” Neid said.

SHOP SUSTAINABLY

The Lucky Star Market, an admission-free event that features more than 60 Iowa artists, hand-makers, crafters, designers and vintage collectors, is coming to Ames on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Prairie Moon Winery. There will be festive, springtime food and drinks, “make and take” crafts for kids, giveaways and much more. Check out the 2014 spring market for more details on vendors.

COLOR YOUR FAIR TRADE WORLD

Worldly Goods, in honor of World Fair Trade Day, is hosting coloring and essay contests for all ages. For the coloring contest, an image of fair trade Mayan artisans of Guatemala can be printed out here or picked up at Worldly Goods. For the essay contest, use 500 words or less to answer “What Fair Trade Means to Me,” and include your name, phone number, school and age. Drop off entries by April 28 to Worldly Goods on Main Street, or email them to worldlygoods@ isunet.net.

FIND YOUR TREASURE

Water Rocks!, a partner of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Nature, has hidden geocaches, hidden items that can be found with GPS coordinates, in nine Iowa parks. Geocaching is a great activity for all ages and a wonderful opportunity to explore Iowa’s natural resources anytime, in any season. Start your treasure hunt!

SUSTAINABLE AG GRADUATE SPRING SHOWCASE

The ISU Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture will host its annual Spring Symposium at 3 p.m. on April 16 in the Memorial Union. Elena Bennet of McGill University will be discussing how mankind benefits and relies upon ecosystems. Contact Mary Wiedenhoeft to learn more information.

GO BEHIND THE SCENES

Join the staff and volunteers of Reiman Gardens on Wednesday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to noon for an exclusive mini-tour not seen by the public. You’ll learn interesting sustainability facts about Reiman Gardens, as well as more about its many residents. Cost is free for members and volunteers, and $10 for the general public. Preregister online or at the Gardens.

BE A BUTTERFLY MONITOR

Join Reiman Gardens’ entomology staff for a free training session on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to noon. This training session will teach survey techniques for monitoring butterfly populations, provide data to identify potential threats and show effectiveness of habitat resotration efforts. For more information and to register, visit Reiman Gardens’ online calendar.

PLANT A RAIN GARDEN

Help Engineers for a Sustainable World, an ISU student organization that applies engineering skills to sustainability-related problems around the world, plant a rain garden on April 27 with the help of ISU Facilities. A rain garden is a manmade depression that allows rainwater runoff from impervious urban areas (like parking lots and roofs) to be absorbed into the ground. For more information and to learn about volunteer opportunities, contact Christina Larranaga, or visit their website.

RESTORE OUR HERITAGE

Help beautify campus by helping plant eight American Linden trees in the Agronomy Courtyard on April 25 from noon to 2 p.m. Called The Arbor Day Project, the tree plantings will “restore our campus heritage” after the original trees were uprooted during the 2006 tornado. Facilities, Planning and Management, William Beavis, professor of agronomy, and the Agronomy Undergraduate Student Club (AUGSC) are in collaboration on the project. For more information or to volunteer, contact Rhonda Martin. The planned locations for the new trees can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/n27ssy3.

MOVE OUT SUSTAINABLY

Do you have food or reusables you don’t want to hang onto while moving out? At the end of this semester, the Department of Residence and Central Stores will be collecting gently used clothing, furniture, working electronics and unopened, non-perishable food items during move-out. The food items will be donated to either Bethesda or MICA food pantries, and the clothing, furniture and electronics will be donated to Goodwill. Students begin donating April 24, and until May 14. For more information, check out the Sustainability page on the DOR’s site.

RUN WITH FIDO

The 31st annual SCAVMA Scamper, a 5k/10k race and walk, will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. The event raises awareness about human and animal health, and its organizer, the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA), encourages participants to walk or run with their dogs. Registration for ISU students is $30, and $35 for non-students. Check out their website to learn more or register online.

GET “NEARLY NAKED” FOR A GOOD CAUSE

The 5th annual Nearly Naked Mile kicks off on April 25 at 9 p.m. by the Alumni Center. Students are invited to strip off and donate excess layers of clothing before the start of the race, as a clothing item must be donated in order to participate. If going “nearly naked” isn’t your thing, feel free to come in a fun costume. The registration fee is $10, and runners can sign up until the day of the race. Check out the Student Alumni Leadership Council’s (SALC) website to see the Nearly Naked Mile route and to register.

RECOGNIZE SOMEONE

Do you know of anyone deserving recognition for their outstanding recycling and recycling-related efforts? The Iowa Recycling Association is now accepting applications for the Iowa Awards for Excellence in Recycling. Individuals, businesses, schools and organizations in Iowa can be nominated. Download an application here, and have it submitted by the May 1st deadline. Contact either the IRA office or David Jackson, IRA Awards Chair, for more details.

VEISHEA Service Day VEISHEA Service Day

During VEISHEA Service Day on March 29, ISU students and the Ames community came together on a variety of sustainable and environmental projects, such as cleaning up Campustown, volunteering at the Ames Animal Shelter and helping preschoolers at Ames Community Preschool learn to read. This year, more than 450 volunteers gave back to the Ames community through 16 projects (compared to 10 in 2013), and 1,350 collective hours of service.

One of those volunteers was Kayla Ahrens, sophomore in apparel, merchandising and design, and she worked with Raising Readers at the Preschool.

“I think VEISHEA Service Day is important because the community does so much for us, and it’s a time for us to give back and say thank you for what they do for us daily,” she said. “You have fun doing it, and when it’s done, you just feel good about yourself and know that you did good, and it means a lot to people.”

Stash the Trash Stash the Trash

With perfect weather for this year’s Stash the Trash event on March 29, about 305 Ames community members and ISU students volunteered to clean up the city, collecting 2.04 tons of trash.

“Stash the Trash is important to Ames. This event benefits the city by getting it cleaned up before visitors come for summer events, like the Iowa Games or the Sesquicentennial,” said Hannah Dankbar, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator for the Volunteer Center of Story County.

The goal of Stash the Trash, she said, was promoting sustainability through taking responsibility for the community.

“People are surprised by how much trash they pick up, and they go tell their friends about it, making more people conscious about where they put their trash.”

Stash the Trash also provides the opportunity for volunteers to meet their neighbors, while helping their community.

“We get lots of feedback from groups made up of people who don’t know each other, letting us know how much fun they had [making connections].”

ARE YOU FINANCIALLY LITERATE?

As summer and graduation approach, we are once again reminded of the importance of financial sustainability. Whether it’s figuring out how to pay back college loans, or how to save money from your summer job, knowing your financial future is secure, and having a well-rounded awareness and understanding of financial literacy is vital for a sustainable present and future.

While in college, financial literacy will affect students by having to budget for things like rent and groceries, choosing the best options for student loans and learning about shopping for deals and value. However when graduation draws near, a whole new reality involving car payments, cell phone bills, taxes and mortgages becomes a daily part of life, and many students are caught off-guard by the confusion of financial literacy in a post-grad world. Graduating students soon need to learn how to manage and pay back loans with many options, such as consolidating and different payment plans. They have to learn what different company benefits mean, such as a 401K, insurance plans and other programs. Ensuring you are financial savvy is imperative in achieving long-term financial success and independence.

Although everyone’s financial situation is different, there are steps you can take now to hone your monetary knowledge and skills. Iowa State offers many different services for everyone in the university community to become financially literate.

ISU Financial Counseling Clinic

Office of Financial Aid CashCourse

The Office of Financial Aid offers services specifically related to understanding and acquiring aid. Financial aid officers are available to discuss aid needs and opportunities, as well as repayment of loans. To make an appointment, call 515-294-4111, or stop in to 0210 Beardshear Hall between 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday. Their website offers additional self-guided resources, including a financial aid orientation, a financial literacy quiz, expense and net costs calculators and more.

The ISU Financial Counseling Clinic provides financial wellness education and counseling services related to student loans, credit and credit cards, budgeting and debt management, financial planning, home ownership and investing. Making an appointment with a trained financial counselor is free for all ISU students, and has a tiered fee system for nonstudents. Go to their website to schedule an appointment or explore their many resources.

CashCourse is an online resource aimed at empowering individuals to create their own financial profile. Tools to offer assistance with budgeting, targeting your spending problems, paying for education, saving for large expenditure such as a wedding, and even determining the real costs of owning a pet are among the many areas CashCourse can help you explore. There is even an online chat feature for all other questions you might have.

Spring has arrived, and with it so has spring cleaning and moving out for the summer. Don’t leave all your cleaning and moving till the last minute. There are sustainable steps you can take now to downsize your things and get your home move-out-ready before the pressure of finals week. Check out these great sustainable tips to ensure moving out this semester is a sustainable breeze.

The SAVE Program at Iowa State collects unwanted items and food and donates them to local charitable organizations, such as Goodwill, Bethesda and MICA food pantries. By donating items you can keep them out of landfills, reduce the number of things you have to move at the end of the year and give them to someone else who needs them.

ISU places multiple SAVE locations on campus at the end of the spring semester. Items you can donate include gently used clothing and shoes, furniture and working electronics, and unopened and non-perishable food items. Look for collection locations in residence halls and campus owned apartments at the hall desk or lounge starting April 24th.

Do you have old or unutilized technology you would like to get rid of? Don’t throw it away, ISU Techcyte is offering a trade-in program for old, used and broken technology in exchange for store credit.

DID YOU KNOW?

Leftovers is a second hand store focused on raising money to help orphans and adoptive families through organizations such as Children’s Hope Chest and other charities that help support the needs of orphans in Africa. Located in Nevada, Iowa, Leftovers will take donation items on their volunteer days or at a prearranged time.

Century 21 Signature Real Estate in Ames works with Leftovers to sponsor villages in Uganda. Small donation items can also be dropped off at their office, and arrangements can be made with them to transport larger items.

For more information or to donate, visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/leftoversnevada or contact Gina McAndrews with Century 21 Signature Real Estate at 515-635-5760 or gina@century21.com.

GREEN UP YOUR CLEANING PRODUCTS

• One out of every three commercial cleaning products contain ingredients considered to be harmful to health and environmental problems.

• Commercial cleaning companies are under no legal obligation to complete research related to their products impact on human health.

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found the levels of air pollution inside the home can be two to five times higher (and sometimes even 100 times higher) than outdoor levels?

• Chemical manufacturing accounts for 21 million tons (55%) of the hazardous waste.

• Green cleaning is one of the best ways to reduce hazardous waste and ensure a clean air home.

Make your own thrifty and green cleaning products this spring!

http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2013/03/13/green-thrifty-cleaning-products/

Along with nice weather, summer heat also brings pesky bugs. Find out healthy sustainable ways to keep them at bay on page 2. Bike share systems are popping up all over the world at an explosive rate. Find out more about these systems and ISU’s future goals on page 3.

Fall 2014 will bring new sustainable renovations and construction to campus. See what to expect when you return to campus on page 8.

LETTER

FROM THE DIRECTOR

What an Impressive Green Trail We Have Blazed

It’s hard to believe the 2013-2014 year has come to a close! It seems like just yesterday the Live Green! team was sending its first issue of Live Green! Monthly for the year, and welcoming you to campus. Well, that was six newsletters, and a whole lot of greenness ago.

Our final newsletter of the year, is dedicated to both a look back at our impressive year, and a look forward at what will await all of you who will be returning to campus in the fall. Our list of achievements is diverse, creative, and unique. From glass collection in the residence halls, a LEED certified football practice facility, and an international gold certification for sustainability for our collective efforts as students, faculty, and staff. Multiple “give back” and “pay it forward” events, activities, and initiatives all focused toward “…meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” have taken place and so many more. It has been another outstanding year to look back on.

Year in Review

ISU Bike Share Program

Student Spotlight

Earth Month Highlights

What You Can Expect Green Opportunities

Summer Sustainability

As you can also see in this issue… 2014-2015 is primed to be a fantastically green year all its own! Beautifying our campus from top to bottom, increasing the efficiency and diversity of our energy portfolio, streamlining our waste stream, and a fabulous slate of green campus events already on the calendar. And that is only a start of what else is being planned and in the works.

This all happens, because of each of you!!! The Live Green! initiative is a team effort… in other words, “it takes a village”. We have not come as far as we have, on our journey toward a sustainable future, because of one college or department or individual. We have come this far because we are all taking this journey together. As I do every year at this time, I encourage each of you to take a minute and reflect back at the past year and the role you have taken in supporting, nurturing and furthering this journey! Thank you for another amazing year!

Have a fantastic summer, and I look forward to our continued work together! To all of our graduates, congratulations, thank you for the Live Green! legacy you have been a part of building, and all the very best as you pursue your individual journeys!

Yours in green-ness,

Merry Rankin

1. The 2013-14 school year had many successful green events, ranging from Sustainapalooza, National Campus Sustainability Day, Earth Week and the Symposium on Sustainability.

2. This year was also full of volunteerism. Through CyServe Day, Stash the Trash and VEISHEA Service Day, students gave back to their community by doing everything from cleaning up parks and buildings, reading with children.

3. Iowa State was awarded a STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) gold certification for commitment to and accomplishments in sustainability.

4. A third vehicle was added to Iowa State University’s Carshare program offering students a fuel efficient SUV to assist them with additional short term transportation needs.

5. Two new LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings joined the ISU campus in 2013-2014. The Bergstrom Football Complex received a Silver certification, and the Small Animal Hospital of the College of Veterinary Medicine received a Gold certification.

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From climate change to heated pavements, apps that monitor butterfly populations and supercomputers, research at Iowa State University during the 2013-2014 academic year embraced a breadth and depth of sustainable topics and challenges.

ISU’s Government of the Student Body took a bite out of campus trash by initiating an expanded library recycling with library administration. Library patrons can now recycle glass, metal, plastic and mixed paper as well as white paper, cardboard and plastic.

Iowa State expressed its flair for sustainable art and creativity, showcasing student and faculty innovativeness and originality during the 2013-14 school year. From recycled content creation on the catwalk to a neighborhood street mural to grunge clothing to bioeconomical-inspired sculpture, Iowa State showcased a rich culture of sustainability in the arts.

From water monitoring for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to cleanup events for campus waterways, ISU students took an active role in improving water quality. These efforts add to a foundation of storm water management practices utilized in campus operations.

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IOWA STATE BIKE SHARE

A bike share program for Iowa State University has been something of interest to students, faculty and staff for a while. This year the Government of the Student Body “pedaled” this initiative to become a cutting-edge collaboration of academics, operations and sustainability.

It began with a brainstorming conversation, and resulted in the Government of the Student Body and the Senior Vice President of Student Affairs offering funding for the prototyping of a new bike share program designed by Iowa State’s own Exploration of Commercial Factors in Industrial Design Studio. The class is designing a system specifically focused on the needs of students this semester, which has never been done before. The class has been interviewing students to discover their transportation needs, studying other bike share systems and designing a system they hope will be implemented at Iowa State in the future. Their designs include everything from the bikes, docking stations, branding, check-out method to the system itself, including apps with bike routes, key fobs, kiosks, maintenance plans and the quantity and locations of bikes.

The goal of a bike sharing system is to offer a way for people to get from one point to another, free from worries of ownership. Bike-share systems have seen explosive growth in the past couple of years with approximately 537 programs around the world. By using a bike share system instead of owning a bike, individuals do not have to deal with initial cost, maintenance, security and storage of a bike. There are many reasons people may choose a bike-share system over ownership, such as cost, convenience, security concerns and sustainability.

Besides providing students with another way to get from one place to another on campus, the bike share system would also create opportunities for positive outcomes on ISU’s environmental footprint. According to a study done by the University of North Carolina, 80% of the carbon monoxide in the atmosphere comes from motorized vehicles that operate on gas or diesel. Motorized vehicles also contribute 55% of the nitrogen oxide pollution in the air, while riding a bike produces zero harmful emissions to the atmosphere. They also found the most impact can be made in short trips. Forty percent of travel is done within just two miles of home, a 10-minute bike ride. Biking for trips four miles or less, instead of using motorized transportation can create huge environmental savings as 60% of pollutants are created by motorized transportation within the first few minutes of use.

The journey does not stop here, next fall, information specifically related to program utilization, infrastructure and long-term funding will be gathered and considered. Although there is no final date for the bike share program to be fully implemented, a goal of offering this green transportation option to students in 2016 has been noted. To learn more about the Industrial Design students progress, and see the final designs and prototypes, attend their final review held on Friday, May 9th, from 10am–1pm in the Campanile Room, Memorial Union.

Bike to Work Week: Don’t wait for a bike share program to green your travels, start now!

The Ames Bicycle Cooperative is partnering with local businesses to facilitate events during Bike-to-Work Week, May 10th-16th, to encourage people to change up their routine and add biking to their daily lifestyle. The events include breakfast at local businesses, family fun rides and late night rides. All events are free and everyone is welcome. For more information on the events check out healthiestames.org.

IOWA STATE ARTISTS FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY

This year, Iowa State has had a flurry of sustainable art and design. From the student-organized “Trashion” show event where students upcycled “trash” to create beautiful fashion pieces, to a paper airplane installation by Qiyi Li (featured in the March newsletter) bringing awareness to paper consumption and recycling. During Earth Month, two student were honored for their vision and commitment to sustainability in the arts. Sara Kinderknecht and Natalie Buskohl took their design projects to the next level by adding a green element to them.

NATALIE BUSKOHL

Annually, the Bioeconomy Institute and Integrated Studio Arts program hold the Biorenewable Art Competition, a chance for students enrolled in integrated studio arts courses to create artwork to reflect the Bioeconomy Institute’s mission of economic, environmental and social sustainability to advance development of biorenewable resources for the production of materials, fuels, energy and chemicals. This year, 22 integrated studio arts and integrated visual arts students submitted 26 entries to the competition. The best-in-show winner was senior in Integrated Studio Arts, Natalie Buskohl. Natalie created a mixed media sculpture entitled “Memoento Mori”. The sculpture consisted of tree roots, baltic birch plywood, acrylic, glass, biochar, algae, pine chips, corn stalk, stover and polyurethane. In the statement accompanying her work she stated “I wanted the piece to be a reminder that we are part of nature not apart from it.” Natalie believes that just like medicine prolongs our lives, science can be used to prolong the life of the Earth and undo past damage we have caused it providing a sustainable world for future generations. She stated, “It is essential to tread lightly, to understand the long term, positive and negative effects of our actions before acting.” Natalie’s sculpture and all the other entries are on display in the Biorenewable Research Laboratory’s lobby until March 2015.

SARA KINDERKNECHT

Every year, the Fashion Show provides an opportunity to support students for their excellence with 13 different categories as well as Best in Show. Sara, a senior in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design, was recognized at this year’s Fashion Show in the Eco-Friendly category for her “Queen Bean” handbag design. Sara constructed the bag using recycled coffee bean bags and denim. Sara received the first place prize for this category sponsored by Random Goods. Random Goods maintains a close relationship with the fashion department and is very excited to have the opportunity to give back to them by sponsoring the category. The thrift store has chosen to sponsor the Eco-Friendly category to highlight that once old items can be upcycled and turned into new fashionable favorites. Sara not only won the Eco-Friendly category, but was also recognized as the first-place winner in the professional daywear category for her “Under the Seams” entry, and for her “Wrapped” collection, placing third overall.

The Green Umbrella and Live Green! took part in Earth month by hosting an Earth Day celebration! Ames and ISU businesses and organizations gathered on campus, and students were able to learn about sustainable practices, participate in activities, and earn green-minded prizes.

EARTH MONTH HIGHLIGHTS

Engineers for a Sustainable World planted a rain garden between Carver Hall and Music Hall. Rain gardens are used in areas where standing water often accumulates to assist in recharging the water table. The plants they use in the rain gardens are all native to Iowa, and have long-root systems to facilitate moving the water.

The Agronomy Undergraduate and Graduate Student Clubs, professors and staff celebrated Arbor Day as well as Earth Month by planting eight American Linden trees in the Agronomy Courtyard. These trees replace those that were taken out by a tornado in 2006.

On April 8th, the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture held the 2014 Iowa Local Food Conference. The conference focused on small business expansion, with sessions covering food hubs and how to sustain them, processing centers and integrating value-added products, and current marketing strategies for increasing the bottom line.

Students in the Apparel, Events and Hospitality Management

Creative Thinkng and Problem

Solving class hosted a “Trashion” show where candy wrappers, newspapers and even plastic forks were converted into wearable work of art. The event brought awareness to many environmental issues including reducing paper usage and food packaging waste. Proceeds from the event benefits Audubon Society to support

The Student Alumni Leadership Council hosted the 5th Annual Nearly Naked Mile where participants are invited to strip off and donate excess layers of clothing before the start of the race. The clothing is donated to

Expanded Recycling for Residence Halls

Iowa State’s glass recycling initiative is now moving to on-campus residence halls. Starting Fall 2014, glass recycling containers can be found in residence halls as well as campus laboratories. Abigail Romano, junior in global resource systems, is spearheading education and awareness of as well as engagement in this effort and serves as a student liaison for the Department of Residence Green Team.

The glass will be put in donated Tidy Cats litter pails located in every residence hall with the halls’ other recycling bins. Donations of empty (red-topped) Tidy Cats litter pails are welcomed to continue to expand glass recycling efforts. Contact Merry Rankin, Director of Sustainability, for more information.

As a result of an English 250 group project, The One Paper Towel Movement will join the Live Green! Initiative during the 2014-15 academic year. The project is focused on reducing the number of paper towels used per capita, and in turn, entering the waste stream. The project team consisting of: Dana Armstrong, freshman in animal ecology; Tim Luhr, sophomore in agricultural engineering; Nicole Milius, freshman in biological systems engineering; Ashley Scales, freshman in animal science; and Regan Sippy, freshman in animal science, is committed to increasing awareness related to the environmental impacts of excess paper towel waste.

Sustainability at the Student Forefront

From campus-wide recycling efforts to a Cyclone-specific-goods exchange website to bike sharing, 2014-15 Government of the Student Body President Hillary Kletscher, (senior in biological systems engineering), Vice President Mike Hoefer, (senior in industrial engineering), Director of Sustainability Alyson Straube, (senior in chemical engineering), and Assistant Director of Sustainability Parker Neid, (sophomore in management information systems), are prepared for a green and sustainable year. For more information on GSB-related activities, initiatives and opportunities to get involved, stay connected with GSB on Facebook and Twitter.

The One Paper Towel Movement

Sustainable Renovations and Construction

More green construction will be springing up in 2014-15. Facilities, Planning & Management has a number of upcoming projects including the renovation of Marston Hall, Jack Trice Stadium Phase 3 (south end zone) and a new Friley Hall Dining Center. All projects have green building and design requirements in place related to the end products, and projects will also track construction waste to make sure the projects keep sustainability in mind.

“We’re hoping to really make some changes that will make the student experience better when it comes to our facilities,” said Kerry Dixon, Sustainability Coordinator for FP&M Design and Construction Services.

A Greener, Leaner Power Plant

Iowa State’s power plant will have a new look in 2014-15. This summer, the plant will replace its older stoker coal boilers with new natural gas boilers, and begin construction of a new addition to house the boilers. Continued renovations will take place throughout the coming school year.

“Emissions for 2013 were down 42%, and will be down even more in 2014. Carbon dioxide emissions from the plant will be down 15% and coal consumption will be down 33%,” said Jeff Witt, FP&M, Utilities Director. The power plant provides heating and cooling for campus buildings, which minimizes energy costs for Iowa State. As a co-generation system (steam and electricity), the ISU power plant is much more efficient than a regular power plant, topping out at 55% efficiency, as compared to 33-35% efficiency of other plants.

Comprehensive Campus Beautification

This summer, lots of effort is being put into beautifying campus to help give students a sense of “belonging” and connection when they return in the fall. Currently, there are five projects that will be jumpstarted in mid-May to early June. Beautification through sidewalk repairs, landscaping efforts, interior paintings, floor renovations and much more will occur in Ross Hall, Carver Hall, Curtiss Hall, Gilman Hall and Physics Hall to improve students’ experiences on campus and provide them a “sense of place.”

These beautification projects support the Live Green! initiative by influencing students to recycle and join green clubs to sustain our beautiful campus at Iowa State University for years to come.

For more information, contact David Miller, Associate Vice President for FP&M.

Grow Your Garden

Does your garden need some sprucing up? Story County Master Gardener Association and Graduate Student Horticulture Society will both be holding plant sales Saturday, May 10th. Stop by Reiman Gardens’ Maintenance Building from 8am-3pm, and the ISU Horticulture Hall Greenhouse from 10am-6pm to stock up on your favorite fruit, vegetable, herb and perennial plants. To see what plants they will be selling and for more information, check out their websites.

Expand your Investment Decisions

With just one hour of your time you can improve your investment decisions in an online environment and receive compensation for it. If you are 24 years of age or older and have had investment activity in the past five years, you can take part in an online simulation study to do just that. The study takes place in 1117 Gerdin Business Building on May 12th and 19th, and compensation is $25. To register, please go to: isuaccounting.appointy.com, or contact Diane Janvrin at djanvrin@iastate.edu.

Celebrate Bike Month

Ames Christian School is hosting a Bike-A-Thon to raise money and help children get active and learn about bike safety. The event will take place Friday, May 16th, from 9am-12pm at Ada Hayden Park in North Ames. They are looking for volunteers to help with the event by riding alongside the children, cheering them on, counting laps along the way, helping with minor bike adjustments, first aid as needed, and distributing snacks and drinks. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Peggy Smith at psmith@ameschristianschool.org

Participate in the Ultimate Championship

Join the USA Ultimate Frisbee Central High School Championships being hosted at the Southeast Athletic Complex on Saturday, May 17th, and Sunday, May 18th. Volunteers are needed at the meet to assist with keeping scores, refilling water stations and assisting in running interactive games. A t-shirt and lunch at the event will be provided to volunteers. Sign up on the Ames Convention Visitors Bureau website: www.visitames.com/Volunteer.aspx?eID=25

The Dog Days of Summer

Dog lovers get ready for the second annual Dog Days Expo in support of the Ames Animal Shelter. At the expo, you will have the opportunity to talk with local dog experts, ask questions and learn new things for a happier, healthier dog. The event will be held at the City of Ames Dog Park from 1-4pm on Saturday, May 31st. Pre-register your pooch for the cutest dog contest! All dogs are welcome!

Do You Have What It Takes….Apply Today!

This summer marks the 4th Annual Summer Institute on Sustainability and Energy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Senior level undergraduate students, graduate students and professionals are eligible to apply for the August 6-20 two-week intensive workshop and lecture series focusing on sustainability and energy. Admission to the program is highly competitive, and applications will be accepted until July 1st. For more information go to the SISE website, or contact program coordinator Thomas Alaan at sise.2014@gmail.com.

Celebrate 150 Years of Ames

Help celebrate the sesquicentennial of Ames by attending Ames 150 on the Fourth. The three-day event, July 3-5, includes concerts, a parade on main street and a community fair. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the history and diversity of the Ames community. For a full description of the events, go to the City of Ames website: tinyurl.com/pp4sq2k.

Summer Solar Rally

The American Solar Challenge is a competition where teams across the US design, build and drive solar powered cars in a cross-country time/distance rally event. The course is 1200-1800 miles long between multiple cities across the country. This will be the first year Ames will serve as a checkpoint for the rally. Come out to Hilton Coliseum to see the cars on Saturday, July 26th, from 1-4pm as they make their way from Omaha, NE to La Crosse, WI and learn more about sustainability at Iowa State and the Ames community from organization and business displays, booths, and interactive activities. Open to the public.

Remember to stay green as you head into summer break! Enjoy the following ways to stay sustainable while embracing summer fun.

#1 BUY LOCAL

A warm, summer day is a perfect time to enjoy shopping for local produce. Farmers markets support the local economy and let you treat yourself to freshly-grown and healthy fruits and vegetables. You can meet new people, too!

#2 GREEN YOUR TRAVELS#3 OPEN UP, COOL OFF

Going on a road trip or have plans for outdoor activities this summer? Invite your friends and family to join the fun and carpool with them to reduce your environmental impact. If you feel like getting fit while doing your part for the environment, hop on your bike to get from place to place this summer.

#4 DRY ON A LINE #5 GROW A MEAL

Take advantage of the summer breeze by hanging your clothes outside to dry. Utilize the sun’s free renewable energy instead of demanding energy for your clothes dryer. Setting up a clothesline is easy, too, as all you need is a long cord or rope, some clothes pins and the sun!

#7 ‘SCREEN GREEN

Practice self-sustainability and have a healthier summer, use sunscreen for your sun in the sun. Don’t choose just any sunscreen, as most sunscreens can be toxic to water ecosystems. Try Rocky Mountain Sunscreen. Their products are produced sustainably and reduce the amount of carbon emissions.

Soak up the sun by growing a garden this summer and harvesting your own produce. Not only is it economically friendly but you can control the products you use to help your garden grow and protect air and water quality. You also save gas and fossil fuel emissions when you save a trip to the grocery store!

As temperatures get warmer, take advantage of Mother’s Nature’s free cooling power before turning on your air conditioning. Not only can it help cool off a warm house, it also adds a wonderful burst of fresh air. If you want a little more cool, turn ceiling fans on high, and make the room feel five degrees cooler. Decrease your energy footprint and your electric bill!

#6 PART WAYS WITH PESTS

The warm, muggy weather often attracts buggy pests, but think twice before you grab just any repellent and spray. Consider some natural alternatives, like citronella candles and torches, or deet-free options. You can also make your own bug repellents with natural ingredients and recipes.

#8 GREEN-UP THE LIGHTS#9 CELEBRATE GREEN

To illuminate your summer nights, use solar-powered lights instead of outdoor lights that consume energy. Solar-powered lighting is also inexpensive and doesn’t attract bugs like traditional lighting does. You can find solar lights at most hardware and gardening stores to light up your outdoor spaces.

Celebrate family, friends, summer and the planet with a green picnic by purchasing biodegradable, reusable or recycled content dinnerware. Save money while reducing your environmental footprint.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES!

Amy Fay, Marketing and Communications intern, is graduating with a B.F.A. in Interior Design. Her future plans are to move to Britt, Iowa and work at Winnebago Industries as a Decor Specialist.

Olivia Diehl, Campus and Community Engagement Intern, is graduating with a B.S. in Event Management. She will continue working in Ames for the summer, and hopes to find a job with an event management company.

Lucas Mutti, Sustainability Coordinator Graduate Assistant, is graduating with a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Lucas plans to find a job within the engineering field.

Rachelle Rowe, Sustainability Initiatives Assistant, graduated in December with a degree in English Rhetoric. Rachelle will be working with a number of non-profit organizations doing social marketing and event management.